Aston Villa vs Portsmouth

8/12- It will be team number 6 taking on team number 7 this time as Aston Villa host Portsmouth. While the three recent home draws have been concerning for Portsmouth as they have come down to position 6 and will be hoping to revive the finishing ability like they showed in the beginning of the season. Aston Villa on the other hand would be looking to get over last week’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal and start afresh at home. The only discomforting fact for Portsmouth will be that Villa have won all of their last 5 away encounters.

 

While Reo- Coker returns after suspension Villa would be hoping to make the most of their form they showed in the second half against Arsenal last week and the goal scorer, Gardner would also be looking at retaining his spot in the starting eleven. Agbonlahor is the highest scorer for the club this season and the fans would be hoping that his magic is displayed on the field once again. The transfer talk for defender Mellberg would also be a matter for concern as the team does not have enough bench strength to replace him.

 

While the home team tackles all its troubles the visitors would be aiming for more than a point out of this encounter. Coach Jordan is surely optimistic about it even though three of their prominent defenders are out due to injury. Mwaruwari and Kanu should be the backbone of the striking force for Portsmouth with the former registering the highest number of goals this season for the club. Over all the competition looks to be fair and the team that can deliver on the field can get the result in their favour. Most importantly since the teams are locked together on the points table it will be interesting to see the changes in their positions after the match.

 

Prediction: 2-1 Portsmouth win