FA Cup: Portsmouth vs Cardiff
Portsmouth vs Cardiff betting odds
| Bookie |
1 |
X |
2 |
<2.5 |
>2.5 |
| Gamebookers |
1.80 |
3.30 |
4.75 |
1.60 |
2.25 |
| Bet365 |
1.73 |
3.60 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| MyBet |
1.70 |
3.40 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| Expekt |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
This week FA Cup matches
| Saturday, 17.05.2008 |
| Portsmouth - Cardiff |
16:00 |
|
Although Portsmouth ended up eighth in Premier League, while Cardiff came in 12th on Coca Cola Championship standings. This match will be quite uncertain about the final outcome. Both sides have sought their form in the finish of their leagues, which doesn't promise attractive play or efficiency. This will be a tense and tough match where both sides will focus on defense.
Pompey must overcome the bad form lately
Although they marked the best success in the Premier League so far (eighth place) Portsmouth have showed terrible form in the finish. They lost last four matches in the league and have gone without a victory in the last five. They haven’t taken three points since 8. April when they won West Ham and they have scored only one goals in the next five matches. In this cup campaign they will remain remembered as the side that eliminated Manchester United in the quarterfinals with an excellent win at Old Trafford (1:0) from a penalty 12 minutes before time. Before that they eliminated Ipswich, Plymouth and Preston and in the semifinals at Wembley they were outplayed by another second-league side West Bromwich, but their experience and better defense helped them celebrate Kanu's winning goal.
They have problems in the attack with injuries but they are all expected to play. Central defender Sol Campbell and keeper David James were on the list of injuries till few days ago but both came back on training and they will probably play. David Nugent and Nwankwo Kanu are not fully recovered but they will also play, while Pompey best attacker, Jermaine Defoe won’t play which might be a problem for them. Second problem is outside of the pitch and it is about the announced (and strongly denied) manager Harry Redknapp resignation, because of the accusations of football corruption.
Blue birds at the doors of great success
Cardiff also weren’t much better when the form in the finish is concerned. Bluebirds ended the Championship in the middle (12th on the standings), with only one win in the last four matches. They ended the season with a convincing triumph over Barnsley (3:0), and they conceded three goals in each of the last three matches although they had a granite defense and were one of the best defensive squads in the league. In the cup they had easier schedule that their rivals, since they were up against Wolves, then Middlesbrough (excellent 2:0 away win), and in the semifinals at Wembley they beat "killer of the favourites" Barnsley (1:0).
Wales side have less injury problems and manager Dave Jones have complete squad at his disposal. Even Robby Fowler might play, after a five-month break due to a hip surgery and recovery. He will probably be on the bench and fantastic young Paul Parry will join experienced Hasselbaink in the attack.
Betting verdict
These two rivals haven't met for 23 whole years and in the last league matches in season 1984/85 in Second division, Portsmouth celebrated 2:1 at Ninian Park and Cardiff took a point (0:0) at Fratton Park. Last important match was in 2004 in League Cup when Pompey celebrated 2:0 in Cardiff, thanks to Yakubu's goals.
Weak form of both rivals doesn’t favour anyone. This will be a tough and defensive match; the space at Wembley will give the advantage to the side that has faster players who use counterattacks. Each side will primarily guard their net and the inefficiency troubling Harry Redknapp's side will be even bigger since Defo won't play. A single goal will make the decision here and perhaps extra time will be necessary to decide the winner.
Our tip: Bet 9 on Under 2.5 goals
Odds 1.65 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers
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