NJ's Midweek Premier League Preview

By Nishant Joshi

Fulham v Portsmouth



3rd February 20:00 GMT

Portsmouth travel to Craven Cottage tonight with their relegation fate all but sealed this year.

Asmir Begovic, Younes Kaboul, David Nugent and Mike Williamson left the strugglers during the transfer window, although Jamie O'Hara returned to Fratton Park on loan for the rest of the season. Portsmouth are struggling financially, to the extent that there are calls for the club to be wound up.

At the same time, Fulham have lost five Premier League games in a row for the first time under Roy Hodgson, amidst a terrible injury crisis. With the likes of Johnson, Paintsil, Konchesky and Dempsey out, the heart of Hodgson's team has been ripped out. This has been somewhat been alleviated by two deadline day signings in striker Stefano Okaka and left-back Nicky Shorey.

With Portsmouth in absolute turmoil and continuing to fail to pay their players on time, Fulham will look to end their run of defeats here. Playing at Craven Cottage under midweek lights has long been a tough proposition for away sides, and this season Fulham have won 7 out of their 8 midweek home games. Generally available about 1.91 for the home win, we'll have a decent punt on Fulham to win half-time/full-time.

NJ's Bet: Fulham to win half-time/full-time - 2.5pts @ 3 (Paddy Power)

Nishant Joshi