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English Premier League Preview: Portsmouth v Birmingham [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
15th and 16th in the Premiership meet on Saturday. Portsmouth and Birmingham both have 4 points from 5 games, both won only once this season, both away from home.
Both managers have been speculated about in the press as being in danger of losing their jobs, yet both remain in work, and victory on Saturday would be a good way for either to ensure that remains the case.
BACKGROUND
Pompey are boosted after their first win of the season, 0-1 at Everton last Saturday, courtesy of an own goal from Duncan Ferguson. Alain Perrin has recorded victories in a quarter of the Premiership matches for which he’s selected the team (three of 12), but this tally of four points is their worst start yet after the first five games of a Premiership season.
Last season’s two Premiership fixtures between these clubs were drawn. A penalty from Unsworth after 16 minutes gave Portsmouth a point in the reverse fixture last year after Savage had given Birmingham an early lead.
City are defending an unbeaten away record, and in Portsmouth, take on a side yet to win at home. The win at West Brom was their first League victory away from home in 2005. Four points from the first five games of the season mirrors the Blues’ return last season, but failure to beat Portsmouth would make this their worst ever start to a Premiership season.
Dermot Gallagher takes charge of his 3rd game of the season. In his previous two games he has dished out 6 yellows and 1 red card. Paul Konchesky was also sent off by Gallagher but this was later rescinded by The FA.
Portsmouth have played 28 top flight matches since recording successive victories. They have scored one goal in each of their last four games, while the match last weekend was their first clean sheet in 10 and their first win in 8 Premiership matches.
Birmingham have gone 13 league matches since winning by more than one goal. The Blues have also managed just one victory in 12 matches on the road in all competitions
RECENT FORM
Portsmouth (most recent first): WLDLL
Portsmouth got their first win of the season last time out with a 1-0 win at Everton thanks to a Duncan Ferguson own goal. Defeats at Manchester City and West Brom along with the home draw with Villa and home defeat to Spurs make it a poor start to the season for Pompey.
Birmingham (most recent first): LWLLD
After the battling win at West Brom a couple of weeks ago, many predicted that Birmingham’s season would take off. After a draw in the opening game at Fulham, consecutive defeats at home to Man City and Middlesborough left The Blues with one point from three games. The 3-2 win at West Brom was then spoilt with a 1-0 home defeat by Charlton last time out.
TEAM NEWS
Portsmouth’s John Viafara is set for a recall while Serbian midfielder Zvonimir Vukic is also in contention to make his first Premiership start. Richard Hughes is expected to drop to the substitutes’ bench while defender Linvoy Primus (knee) is still out. Ashdown will keep his placing after Westerveld was dropped to the bench for the Fulham game.
Birmingham have doubts over striker Emile Heskey (ankle) and right-back Mario Melchiot (knee) although both are expected to start. Midfielder Stephen Clemence is definitely missing after being ruled out for a month by a torn hamstring. Good news is that David Dunn is back in training and could soon feature for the first team.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LuaLua has grabbed the headlines this season already with some impressive displays while Ashdown replaced Westerveld in goal last time out and looked assured. The acquisition of Salif Diao in the centre of the park could be crucial for Portsmouth as he tightens up the midfield.
Jermaine Pennant has got the potential to be a great footballer for club and even country. Off the field problems ended his chance at Arsenal yet Wenger rates him highly. Steve Bruce has taken him under his wing and will be hoping for more of the same from Pennant who has grabbed 3 assists already this season.
POSSIBLE STARTING XIs
Portsmouth: Ashdown, Priske, O’Brien, Stefanovic, Vignal, O’Neil, Viafara, Diao, Robert, LuaLua , Silva
Subs: Westerveld, Griffin, Vukic, Hughes, Cisse
Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Melchiot , Clapham, Cunningham, Upson, Pennant, Butt, Jarosik, Izzet, Forssell, Heskey
Subs: Vaesen, Tebily, Johnson, Gray, Pandiani
By Mark Taylor
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