Last in the table and four points into relegation territory,
Portsmouth FC manager
Paul Hart looks to get his team back on track in this Sunday's match at the Britannia Stadium. Defender
Steve Finnan believes his team has what it takes to fight back this season:
“We all know the circumstances of what we need to do here and stay in the Premier League and there is a good enough squad here to stay there.” Despite his optimism, Pompey's away form seems to stand against them when they travel to Stoke-on-Trent this weekend. With a 1-1-4 record,
Portsmouth have managed to draw and win against bottom-end clubs such as Hull City (17th) and newly promoted Wolverhampton (19th). In this time they have only averaged 0.5 goals scored while allowing 1.67. Portsmouth have also not been able to beat Stoke City on the road in almost 15 years.
Paul Hart will aim to get all 3 points here, but history is working against him.
The
Stoke City Potters have 11 more points than the visiting team and sit 9th in the table with 16 points from 12 games. Home form has been solid with the only losses coming expectedly against both
Chelsea and
Manchester United. While their average goals scored nearly equal the amount they allow, They have managed to defeat Sunderland, West Ham United and Burnley while in the Britannia Stadium. Add this to the fact that their fans are known to be one of the loudest in English football and you get an atmosphere that favors the home side more than the odds show. Manager
Tony Pulis was running Portsmouth FC just 9 years ago but insists that this will not effect his determination to win.
This season's home and away form lends credibility to the
Potter's chances in this match, but
Portsmouth have the added motivation of escaping relegation. However, After a 3-1 defeat at the hands of
Blackburn Rovers earlier this month, Paul Hart's side will struggle to gain momentum in the frenzied atmosphere of the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke City FC vs. Portsmouth FC
Sunday November 22, 2009
Kickoff: 17:00 CET
Tip: Stoke City (1X2)
Best Odds: 2.10 @ Tipico
