Tonight’s Football Portsmouth v Sunderland
Sunderland could do with a win from their match tonight against Portsmouth as that would be enough to see them safe from relegation. If they were to be beaten then their fans would have to survive a nervy last day probably hoping results else where go their way to ensure Premier League survival.
With their last home game being against Chelsea this match against Portsmouth looks as if it is Sunderland’s last chance to pick up points and with no wins in their last nine away matches, it would be a brave decision to have a bet on them.
Portsmouth are safe for another season and maybe Paul Hart will abandon his safety first approach-which has worked so well in their battle to survive-in the last home game of the season and try and put on good display for the loyal home fans.
Portsmouth have managed to pick up nine points from their last eight games while Sunderland’s points return from their last eight games has only been four.
Portsmouth haven’t won at home for four matches now and while that could be a little bit of a worry for backers, Sunderland’s form is lot worse and we think the 6/4 (Bet365) being offered on a Portsmouth win is tremendous value.
Portsmouth have won four of the last five meetings between the two teams and with Sunderland failing to even find the net in their last five away games it’s hard to see how they can get beat tonight.
Sunderland are 11/5 (Ladbrokes) to win, but we really can’t see why they are so short a price. Maybe the bookies think Portsmouth will relax now they are safe, but whatever the reason we wouldn’t be contemplating taking Sunderland at that price.
A draw could be possible if Portsmouth employ the same tactics that has seen them scrape enough points to survive-but again at 11.5 (Paddypower) we’re not convinced there is a lot of value there.
Three of the last five meetings between the two teams has brought three or more goals in the match and the over 2.5 goals at 27/20 (Bet365) is a bet we’d recommend tonight.
The 2-1 scoreline has popped up a number of times in this fixture over the years and we’re hoping it will be the result tonight as we’re tipping the 2-1 correct score at 8/1 (Coral).
Our pick to be first goalscorer is John Utaka 9/1 (Paddypower) and we think having a bet on Kieran Richardson to score anytime at 6/1 (Paddypower) also looks to have a decent chance of bringing a return at nice odds.