Wolverhampton Wanderers V Portsmouth – Saturday 3rd October

English Premiership 2009/2010

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Portsmouth

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 16th

Recent Form: LDLWL

Mick McCarthy will have to mend some broken hearts this week after Wolves gave their all in their weekend clash away at Sunderland. Although the 5-2 score line did look a tad overwhelming and convincing, Wolves gave as good as they got and, were they a little more clinical in the final third, could of possibly sneaked a point. However, once Kenwyn Jones bagged Sunderland’s third, Wolves capitulated and that has to be a major concern for Mick McCarthy as he watched on as his valiant troops finally lost the war, pretty emphatically come the end.

Still, despite the poor result and having nothing to show for their efforts, there were plenty of positives for Mick McCarthy to take out of the game. The teams fighting spirit on the day was a testament to the manager who obviously gave his side what for in the dressing room at half-time and the players quickly responded. The players shown tremendous character even in defeat and they should heart from the fact that a similar performance this weekend would see them go mighty close to winning their third game of the season.

That was the clubs fourth defeat of the season though and it now leaves Wolves clinging to safety, just three points above the drop zone. However, they do have in front of them a very winnable game with a Portsmouth side who’ve yet to register a single point this term. That doesn’t mean Wolves can simply turn up and take all three points though as Pompey are showing real signs of improvements of late and they will need to work their socks and ensure they don’t get complacent if they want maximum points from this game.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20^th

Recent Form: LLLLL

Where do we start with Portsmouth? The worst start by any team in the Premiership was extended last weekend when Portsmouth lost their seventh consecutive game at home to Everton, losing 1-0 on the day. However, although their terrible run of results doesn’t look in the slightest bit good, their performances on the pitch are starting to get a whole lot better and they were mighty unlucky not to have taken something out of that game with Everton. However, you don’t get nothing for hard work but at least there are finally positives for manager Paul Hart to build upon.

Against Everton, Portsmouth put everything had into that game and they bombarded the Everton goal but, it was all in vein come the end. Although their work rate and endeavour was top rate on Saturday, they are still lacking that cutting edge needed to win games, especially in open play. From set-peices, Portsmouth look a real threat, with Younes Kaboul similar to a salmon when he leaps up above everyone when Portsmouth have corners. However, you can’t rely solely on set-pieces for points although, Stoke City have made a living out of it recently.

We still aren’t totally convinced with the manager; Paul hart. A new manager would be the buck up the ass the players so desperately need and probably crave but Portsmouth are improving, it has to be said. They were a whole lot better at the weekend and they weren’t too bad in their last away encounter at Aston Villa. They’re getting closer to recording their first points of the season and they won’t get many easier opportunities then a game against a Wolves side fresh off the back of a 5-2 mauling away at Sunderland. The home side will still be feeling that drubbing and Pompey could take advantage here.

Head-to-Head:

Wolverhampton Wanderers W: 0 Portsmouth W: 0 Draws: 2

These two have only met each other twice since the Premiership was formed and that was six years ago back in the 2004/2004 season. However, back then the pair played out two unattractive 0-0 draws and this match might not be too far off as neither side has been that impressive in front of goal this term, with Portsmouth managing just three goals in seven and Wolves just the seven.

Match Verdict: Draw – 5/2 Boylesports

Both teams will eye this fixture as one they have every chance of winning ,especially Portsmouth, who have yet to pick up a single point this season. However, this looks not only a glorious opportunity for them to get their point accumulation off and running but also for Wolves to bolster their rather slim tally and go further adrift of the relegation zone. However, with Portsmouth showing signs of improving, we fancy the home advantage to possibly cancel out a hungry Pompey side and, to be honest, neither would begrudge a draw here.

Match Odds:

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 11/10 SportingBet

Portsmouth – 11/4 SkyBet

Draw – 5/2 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Tip: 0-0 Correct Score – 9/1 Bet365