Match Preview: West Ham V Portsmouth
Portsmouth travel to Upton Park today to take on a West Ham side who last left with a maximum haul of points against Blackburn in the middle of March.
The Hammers haven't been having an excellent season by their standards, but they are clearly safe from the relegation dog-fight this year and will be hungry to knock down a Portsmouth side still in dream-land from Saturday's FA Cup semi-final success.
The Hammers have not been scoring a great many goals this season, but also haven't had a particularly leaky defense.
Portsmouth on the other hand have had striker Jermain Defoe score eight in his last seven outings. Defoe, however, will be unavailable for selection for the West Ham game due to the death of the striker's grandmother.
West Ham will be without Freddie Ljungberg, John Pantsil, and George McCartney, but will certainly field a strong side.
Portsmouth will continue to be without right-winger John Utaka, and I expect to see Hreidarsson replaced on the left of the defense by Lauren. The Icelandic defender has been nursing an achilles injury, and will more than likely not be risked.
Expect Milan Baros to lead the line with Kanu to be rested,ย and David Nugent almost certainly making at least a substitute appearance. Lassana Diara may also play a minimal โif anyโrole in the match in favor of either Sean Davis or Pedro Mendes.
Expected result:ย West Ham win.
I have never before left anything for Portsmouth to a "cup hangover," but I well and truly expect it tomorrow. Kanu is certain to be rested, and with Defoe out of contention, Portsmouth will struggle to score.
I'm going to go for a 1-0 to West Ham, although I truly hope (and believe there is a chance) we'll nick a draw.
Players to watch: Dean Ashton and Milan Baros.
Ashton has been in good form over the past few weeks, and I fully expect him to score against us in today's match.
I can't help but wonder if today will be the chance for Milan Baros to finally notch his first goal for the club. If he manages to find the back of the net, I believe Portsmouth will be in good shape.
