English Premier
2010-02-03 - Fulham vs Portsmouth
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Fulham goes into this match being severely depleted. Roy Hodgson's side are currently on a run of five straight defeats and are in danger of slipping off their European dream. Nevertheless they have only lost once six matches in a row which was way back in March 2002.
The good news for them is that they have only lost once in eight Premier League games at home. They have also won three and drawn one of their last four Premier League meetings with Pompey.
But it must be noted that Portsmouth have been beaten only once on their last four visits to West London, winning twice. With Portsmouth currently six points adrift of safety at the foot of the table it will be hard to repeat that feat though.
Portsmouth are in financial trouble despite managing to negotiate transfer deadline day without much problems. Pompey have also claimed only one point from their last six matches on the road, meaning they will arrive in the capital very much short of confidence.
As for the team news, Zoltan Gera is the latest Fulham player to suffer an injury and add to Hodgson's problems. Gera has joined a long list of players in the treatment room after suffering a knock to his knee in training on Tuesday.
Andy Johnson is still struggling with his knee injury while Paul Konchesky (foot), Simon Davies (ankle), Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (both knee ligaments) are all out for the home side. However the good news is Loan signings Nicky Shorey and Roma striker Stefano Okaka are both poised for their Fulham debuts.
Portsmouth boss Avram Grant welcomes back African Cup of Nations trio Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Yebda and Aruna Dindane for this match. Nigerian striker Kanu is yet to return, while Hermann Hreidarsson (leg), Michael Brown (back), Tommy Smith (groin) and Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring) are all rated doubtful.
Grant could hand a full debut to new striker Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, while David James looks set to continue in goal following Asmir Begovic's deadline day move to Stoke.
Take Fulham to win here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

