Southampton v Portsmouth – no holds barred

We’re backing Southampton at 7/4 to win the tie, and move to the next round. Here’s a free £20 bet for you to get in on the FA Cup action.

Southampton v Portsmouth
FA Cup 5th Round
Saturday 13th February 2010
Live on ITV 1
Kickoff: 12:30 GMT

A footballing rivalry that’s right up there with the most bitter rivalries in the UK is usually good enough background for a game. But if you add the relative fortunes of the two clubs, their recent histories and then what’s at stake for Portsmouth in this contest – all of it makes this the one game you don’t want to miss this weekend.

The signs aren’t good for Portsmouth – Southampton are unbeaten in 2010, they have won their last eight games at home, they’ve beaten Portsmouth all four times that they’ve played them in the FA Cup. Oh, and Portsmouth have failed to score in their last three away games (admittedly they’ve come close, including that 5-0 drubbing at Old Trafford).

Pompey HAVE claimed an away win in the FA Cup against Coventry earlier this season, but they’ll find Southampton to be a different and altogether much tougher prospect.

There’s always the chance of a surprising result in a cup tie but the only surprise at this point would be if Portsmouth were to find a buyer who actually had some money.

We’re backing Southampton at 7/4 to win the tie, and move to the next round. Rickie Lambert has been in good goalscoring form at St Mary’s and if you fancy a flutter on him scoring against Portsmouth, he’s 9/5 to score and 11/2 to score the first goal of the game.

Here’s a free £20 bet for you to get in on the FA Cup action and make some money too. Back your team to win, and after you’ve placed your bet, Paddy Power will give you a free £20 bet.