Portsmouth - This weeks value in the Barclay's Premier League

This match signals the highest value bet of the round, With Wigan looking at four successive losses and Portsmouth winning three on the trot. These are two teams going in two completely different directions.

Wigan was thought to be a relegation battler this season. But early form in the way of two wins and a draw at home saw a glimpse of hope. This has changed since Emile Heskey went down and the hopes of Wigan fans have dived as they lie 14th on the table. Their attack with the aforementioned Heskey injured, has been woeful averaging less than one goal a game. But they try and remedy that with good defense all over the pitch often culminating in low scorelines as teams find it hard to break the defense, especially at home where Wigan have only conceded two goals this campaign, compared to ten goals away from home. If they are to get something out of this encounter, they will need to at least pressure the Portsmouth defense or we could see a very one sided encounter.

Portsmouth on the other hand, have excellent scoring prowess, even without the injured Nwankwo Kanu. With no better display then their 7-4 mauling of reading only two matches ago. They can have lapses of concentration, but with little attacking threat coming the other way there should be enough quality possession in the midfield to ensure that their classy forwards have enough chances to show their wares. There are a few injury problems in the camp. Mario Melchiot looks likely to miss after being absent for the Netherlands game in order to try and recover, but Ryan Taylor should make his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a broken leg. Bouba Diop is also not certain after missing his international game to get over a niggling injury for this game.

With quality delivery, the Portsmouth forwards will be looking to snag a couple of goals away from home, and if Portsmouth wants to challenge for higher honors this year, they should really be able to handle Wigan who will be struggling to stay out of the relegation zone this season.

2.45 are the odds currently available at Sportsbet for Portsmouth.

Good luck and good punting!

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print