Liverpool vs Portsmouth preview

Game : Liverpool vs Portsmouth

Time : 8pm GMT

Things seem to be going well for Liverpool this season. They seem to have built an outfit that can beat the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea even without their best striker, and have it made it a habit to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. And Rafa Benitez will hope that his side can keep up their good run against Portsmouth, whose manager Harry Redknapp left them only a couple of days ago for Spurs.

Liverpool have a three point lead over Chelsea in the table, having broken the 86 unbeaten game record of the Blues at Stamford Bridge this weekend. The sole goal of the game came from Xabi Alonso, who also had a free kick hit the post in the second half. Benitez may opt to change things a bit, giving some of his first team members a break. Albert Riera on the left wing is likely to be rested, with Babel coming in. We could also see Yossi Benayoun or Jermaine Pennant start. Dossena should come back in at left back, and veteran Sami Hyypia could get a game ahead of Daniel Agger in central defence. We may see Fernando Torres make a return, but only as a substitute.

Fans of the Reds will hope that the game against Pompey does not turn out like the game against Stoke at home. Liverpool drew against Stoke after beating Manchester United. They have a record of slipping up against weaker opposition, especially after winning crucial games or beating a side by a comprehensive margin.

Portsmouth have lost manager Harry Redknapp, and without him, they drew 1-1 with Fulham. The South Coast side are considering appointing Tony Adams as their new manager, and are nine points behind Liverpool. Portsmouth have been poor travellers this season. In the four league games away from Fratton Park this season, they have not scored a goal yet. They were whacked 6-0 by City, lost to Everton 3-0 and Chelsea 4-0, and drew 0-0 at Villa Park. This game will see the return of Peter Crouch to Anfield, with the lanky striker partnering the pacy Jermain Defoe upfront. Lassana Diarra has been Portsmouth’s best midfield player this season, but he will find the going tough against Gerrard, Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Liverpool to nick this 2-0, with goals from Keane and Babel/Kuyt.