Betting Picks

Event:  FA Cup Round 5, Portsmouth at Southampton

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Though the Super Bowl is finally over, and many of us are still recovering and mourning the end of the NFL season, English soccer continues across the pond with some exciting matchups this week.  If you haven’t been focusing on soccer due to the NFL, check out bookmaker reviews to get some tips and re-discover European football.

While Barclay’s Premiere League is taking the weekend off, the English FA Cup is in round five, and presents some intriguing matchups.

Southampton Saints host Portsmouth Pompey in a matchup of two clubs that are very familiar with one another, yet going in opposite directions. Southampton has had the historical advantage, as in four FA Cup draws against Portsmouth, the Saints have prevailed every time. Moreover, the Saints have one their last eight of nine at home, and are unbeaten in eight matches in 2010. Southampton is riding hear, hoping to return to the FA Cup finals after a seven year absence.

Despite the seeming domination by Southampton, the two bitter south coast rivals are more evenly matched than records have shown.  While Portsmouth has one win road win in the Premiere League, they have triumphed in its last two domestic cup competitions.

The Saints will be playing at home, but it won’t be a far trip for Portsmouth fans to make to St. Mary’s Stadium, only twenty miles down the road.

Portsmouth meanwhile is heading in a much different direction. Not only are they struggling on the field, but financial matters off the field have made headlines, as the club has been deemed ‘insolvent.’ They owe 11.5 millions Euros. Pompey have until February 17 to submit a ‘statement’ of affairs,’ in order to avoid being shut down.  These monetary woes have pushed their soccer play to the backburner, but it doesn’t necessarily translate have to poor play on the field this weekend.

A team in dire straights, playing desperately against a hated rival has the ability to win any match. Pompey sits at the bottom of the Premiere League, but they shouldn’t be completely ignored.

Betting lines:

The Sports Book favors Southampton, as they come in as the heavy favorite, having history on their side, along with recent strong play on the field.  Portsmouth has issues on and off the field, and will be on the road at St. Mary’s Stadium. However, if ever there were a game that Pompey would gear up for, it would be against their south coast rival. And when such strong emotions are figured into the equation, the underdogs should be given far more consideration. If you’re feeling risky, go big and take Portsmouth in the upset as they look for not only a moral victory in the game, and a financial victory off the field, but a triumph over their neighbors down the coast. Internet betting is easier than ever, so take Portsmouth and a couple safer bets to make some winnings and collect on this soccer-filled weekend.

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