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Fulham v Portsmouth
By Gavin Beech
Last updated: 08:36 Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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Fulham v Portsmouth, Wednesday 20:00
Fulham have now gone six league games without a victory, the last five of which have been defeats, and Roy Hodgson's side have work to do if they are to get any where near the 53 points they accrued last season.
The return of joint top scorer Bobby Zamora couldn't inspire the Cottagers against Aston Villa on Saturday, where the visitors ran out comfortable 2-0 winners but Fulham's defensive record at Craven Cottage is as good as anyones; they have conceded only eight at home this term, which is the same number as Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham, and six fewer than Arsenal.
A home match against the table's bottom side is just the type of fixture that could galvanise Fulham back into form, but Portsmouth were more than a touch unlucky at Manchester City on Sunday, where they created several really good openings. If Avram Grant's side can do that at Eastlands there is no reason why they can't do the same at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are a general 4-6 chance to win this but that is probably tight enough given their current run of form, and there might not be too much between these sides come the final whistle. The 11-10 about both teams to score looks worth a poke but perhaps more appealing is the 6-5 about Portsmouth with a goal start on the handicap.
Recommended Bet:
Portsmouth +1 on the handicap (BP 6-5)