Liverpool vs Pompey Preview

Last updated : 21 December 2007 By Jim Bonner
Not many Pompey fans will remember the last time Pompey won at Anfield in 1951 but tomorrow will represent our best chance of winning on Liverpool's own turf since we won the league title.

Our away form has been nothing short of sensational in since October having won six league games on the bounce away from Fratton Park whilst our hosts have stuttered in recent times and are certainly not infallible at home.

The stats make interesting reading for Pompey fans, as Liverpool have only managed three home wins in the league and they were against Bolton, Derby and Fulham who are hardly the strongest teams are they? They have lost three of their last four games in all competitions and lost their unbeaten home record last Sunday after defeat to Manchester United.

Liverpool are going to want to prove a point after their recent slump and on paper it looks like this game will be our toughest test of our away credentials since our 3-1 defeat at the Emirates.

However, we will want to bounce back from a woeful showing against Tottenham on Saturday and so with both teams wanting to prove a point, the game at Anfield could be a cracker.

It's always difficult to predict the side that Rafael Benitez will field although you'd expect Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to start. The good news is that Peter Crouch is banned after receiving a red card on Wednesday, so Dirk Kuyt is likely to start up front.

Harry is unlikely to change the side that started against Tottenham as Sean Davis has an ankle injury meaning Pedro Mendes will keep his place in the side. Kanu is likely to return to the bench after attending his Father's funeral last week and Hermann Hreidarsson will fill in for the injured Noe Pamarot.

I fancy us to get a result tomorrow and with Liverpool's recent blip; it could be a day to remember for Pompey fans tomorrow - as long as the team turn up this time.

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Liverpool

GK: Jose REINA

RB: Alvaro ARBELOA
CB: Jamie CARRAGHER
CB: Sami HYYPIA
LB: Fabio AURELIO

RM: Ryan BABEL
CM: Steven GERRARD
CM: Xabi ALONSO
LM: Harry KEWELL

ST: Fernando TORRES
ST: Dirk KUYT

Bench: Charles ITANDJE, Jack HOBBS, John-Arne RIISE, Javier MASCHERANO, Andriy VORONIN

Pompey

GK: David JAMES

RB: Glen JOHNSON
CB: Sol CAMPBELL
CB: Sylvain DISTIN
LB: Hermann HREIDARSSON

RM: John UTAKA
CM: Papa BOUBA DIOP
CM: Pedro MENDES
CM: Sulley MUNTARI
LM: Niko KRANJCAR

CF: BENJANI

Bench: Jamie ASHDOWN, LAUREN, Matthew TAYLOR, David NUGENT, KANU

Last Time: Liverpool 0 Pompey 0

Pompey set out their stall and defended for 90 minutes against an injury ravaged Liverpool side at Anfield. Liverpool struggled to break us down whilst we hardly ever got the ball in their half in what was a total bore draw.

Pundit Watch

Lawro: Home Win (2-0)
Sky Sports: Draw (1-1)
Soccernet: Away Win

My Prediction: Draw (1-1)