Entering administration appears to have acted as a catalyst for Portsmouth and the crisis-hit club will bid for their second win in four days against Birmingham. Striker Frederic Piquionne scored both goals in Saturday\’s FA Cup victory and will be hoping to inflict more damage on Alex McLeish\’s side who could recall Christian Benitez in attack as they seek to avoid a fourth successive away defeat in the Premier League.
Quick Check
Portsmouth
- Portsmouth beat Birmingham 2-0 at Fratton Park in the FA Cup on Saturday.
- French striker Frederic Piquionne scored both goals in that game.
- Avram Grant’s side is seeking its third win in a row in all competitions.
- Portsmouth are unbeaten against Birmingham at home since 1998.
- Defender Ricardo Rocha is still out as he completes a two-match ban.
- Kevin-Prince Boateng remains in Germany as he recovers from an ankle problem.
- Aaron Mokoena is still doubtful with a knee problem.
- Pompey have won only three out of 13 Premier League home fixtures this season.
- Grant\’s team is four points adrift at the bottom of the table with a nine-point penalty for going into administration still pending.
Birmingham City
- Striker Christian Benitez is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up
- Birmingham have lost their last three away games in the Premier League.
- Blues have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine games in all competitions.
- Midfielder Lee Carsley is still struggling to recover from ankle ligament damage.
- Striker Garry O\’Connor is out for at least another month after complications arising from groin surgery.
Expert Advice
With the threat of a nine-point deduction hanging over their heads, Portsmouth may appear dead and buried in their battle to avoid the drop but Avram Grant\’s side are nothing if not fighters and administration appears to have added an extra drive to their game over the last few weeks. Two wins on the trot and a second FA Cup semi-final appearance inside three years has rejuvenated Pompey and they finally seem to be heading in the right direction on the pitch. While they are always likely to concede goals, they are creating plenty of chances at the other end – something Birmingham have struggled to do all season. After a record-breaking unbeaten run, Blues have struggled on the road in recent weeks and this could be another disappointing night for them, with a home win by one goal at Betsson\’s odds of 6.40 appearing a sound bet
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