Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough

29/12- Two teams in not the best of forms would be pitting against each other when Middlesbrough visit Portsmouth this week. While Portsmouth after making a promising start to the season have slipped to the 8^th position, which is a major shock considering that they constantly appeared in the top 5, their opponents are in the 16^th spot which is just 2 places and 3 points above the relegation zone. Portsmouth would enter this match after a goalless draw against the then league leaders Arsenal at home, on the other side Middlesbrough have lost their last two premiership encounters, the first being at home against West Ham and the last one being 3-0 against Birmingham City in an away tie. In fact, Middlesbrough have not been able to beat Portsmouth since the 1993-94 season as the 8 matches between the clubs then have either resulted in a Portsmouth victory or a draw.

 

Portsmouth is the home team and a lot of encouragement from the crowd will be expected as a win at home will not only help them improve their points’ table position but also their disappointing run at home this season. Mwaruwari has been the most prolific scorer for the club till date and has netted 8 of the 25 goals scored by his side, which is nearly 30%. A good amount of support for him can be expected from the experienced Kanu and Muntari, at least the crowd would hope for that.

 

Middlesbrough on the other hand have to hope that Downing can score more goals and also they can get at least a point out of this away tie as this will help them ensure the safety of the non relegation zone at least for the week as they are already 3 points clear of the relegation zone.

 

Prediction: 2-0, Portsmouth win