Premier League Preview: Portsmouth - Liverpool

Rock-bottom Pompey play host to rebuilding Reds.

Dec 18, 2009 2:06:44 PM

More On :  Liverpool
EPL: Fernando Torres, Liverpool - Manchester United (Getty Images)
Kick-off: Saturday, December 19, 2009 - 12:45 BST
Fratton Park, Portsmouth

Two of the Premier League's more troubled teams go head-to-head in the first match of the weekend, with Liverpool taking a trip down to last-placed Portsmouth.

The cash-strapped Hampshire side fell to Chelsea in midweek, but it was a much improved performance as Avram Grant watched his old charge Frank Lampard decide the contest with a second-half penalty.
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Yet Pompey remain firmly rooted to the foot of the table with just 11 points to their name, so they will be desperate to get something when Rafael Benitez's Reds come to town.

The Anfield giants claimed a sorely needed win on Wednesday, triumphing 2-1 over Wigan Athletic despite failing to take full advantage of their many goal-scoring opportunities.

And yet Liverpool are still a long way from where they had hoped to be by this point of the season. The fact that they are level on points with Birmingham City sums up the situation in the Kopites' eyes, although that rather exaggerates their sixth-place standing.

Still, Champions League qualification is a must for the 18-time English champions, and picking up a result against the cellar dwellers is essential if they are to achieve that goal.

FORM GUIDE

Portsmouth

Dec 16: Chelsea 2-1 Portsmouth

Dec 12: Sunderland 1-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Dec 5: Portsmouth 2-0 Burnley (Premier League)
Dec 1: Portsmouth 2-4 Aston Villa (League Cup)
Nov 28: Portsmouth 1-4 Manchester United (Premier League)

Liverpool

Dec 16: Liverpool 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Dec 13: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Dec 9: Liverpool 1-2 Fiorentina (Champions League)
Dec 5: Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Liverpool
Nov 29: Everton 0-2 Liverpool

TEAM NEWS

Portsmouth

Younes Kaboul returns to the fold after missing the Chelsea clash through suspension. Thus, injured goalkeeper David James aside, gaffer Grant can indulge in that rarest of coaching delights: a fully fit and available squad.

Last starting XI (vs. Chelsea): Begovic, Finnan, Ben Haim, Wilson, Hreidarsson, Bouba Diop, Mullins, Boateng, O'Hara, Piquionne, Mokoena.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres was benched for the win over Wigan, coming on late to wrap up the points with a Kop-end finish. The striker should start at Fratton Park, although young David Ngog continues to impress when given the chance.

Neither Lucas Leiva nor Alberto Aquilani featured in the first XI in midweek, but one would expect the former to reclaim his place in central midfield.

Glen Johnson was left out altogether on Wednesday through injury and remains a slight doubt, while Albert Riera is still battling hamstring trouble.

Last starting XI (vs. Wigan Athletic): Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Benayoun, Mascherano, Gerrard, Aurelio, Kuyt, Ngog.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

The Spaniard got back on the scoresheet at long last with a second-half strike against Wigan, and he would love to bag another this weekend as he continues his return from injury.

Portsmouth - Kevin-Prince Boateng

He was a monumental flop at Tottenham Hotspur, but the German enforcer has become a key man in the Pompey midfield. He likes to get forward at every opportunity, so Mascherano et al will have to keep an eye out.

PREDICTION

Portsmouth 0-2 Liverpool

Mick Maguire, Goal.com

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