Barclays Premiership: Portsmouth v Chelsea k.o. 15.15
Result: Portsmouth 0:2 Chelsea
Chelsea To Squeeze Home At Fratton Park
While Arsenal and Manchester United are renowned as being great entertainers, Chelsea (and Liverpool) are regarded as being more pragmatic teams who look to get the job done first and foremost, rather than seeking to put on a show.With Chelsea facing a tough Champions League game against Porto in midweek, Saturday's trip to Portsmouth is likely to see another typically workmanlike performance from The Blues as they seek to close the gap on Manchester United at the top of the table.
Portsmouth's form has been a little rocky of late and they are further hampered by the absence of a number of key players here. Chelsea have players missing themselves of course, while Jose Mourinho is also likely to rest some of his key men with the Porto game in mind.
With Manchester United facing a desperately tough trip to Liverpool earlier on Saturday afternoon, Mourinho will be hoping that this game gives Chelsea a real opportunity to cut the gap at the top.
Even so, a narrow win will suffice for the Londoners and a one-goal winning margin will be perfectly acceptable to the Portuguese coach. The bet therefore looks to be the Handicap tie, available at 5-2 with Coral and ensuring a winning bet for any Chelsea victory by a one-goal margin. Under the circumstances, that looks a good value punt.
