Jumaat, Februari 06, 2009

Match Preview - Portsmouth vs Liverpool


Liverpool can complete their 3rd league double of the season and move back to the top of the Premiership, temporarily at least, if they can overcome Peter Crouch’s club on the South Coast. Jermaine Pennant is also on loan with Portsmouth and therefore ineligible to play in this game.

The reds won 1-0 at Anfield earlier this season thanks to a late penalty from Steven Gerrard in a game that Liverpool bossed, but were threatening to drop two points with.

Gerrard is out for Liverpool, and for Portsmouth captain Sol Campbell could make a return from injury. Lucas Leiva is also suspended after picking up a red card against Everton. Javier Mascherano will be making his 50th start in the Premiership if selected.

Pompey are so precariously balanced in the league that they could end up anywhere between 12th and bottom at the final whistle.

Portsmouth’s two Premier League victories over Liverpool have both come at Fratton Park. A 2-1 win in April 2007 the most recent.

Last season’s fixture was a 0-0 draw.