This League Two match sees mid-table side Crawley Town host play-off occupiers Portsmouth.
Crawley have been on an inconsistent run of late and have failed to win back-to-back matches since the beginning of January. Having said that, they achieved a very credible 0-0 draw against table toppers Doncaster Rovers last time out.
Although they managed to record a clean sheet in that match against Donny, Crawley have struggled at the back this season and currently have fifth-worst defensive record in the division with 52 goals conceded in 34 games. Unfortunately, they have been unable to balance this out with goals of their own with just 41 so far this campaign – fewer than relegation-threatened Hartlepool United.
The Red Devils had been on a fantastic run at home with just one loss at Broadfield Stadium in 11 games. However, they have had a dramatic downturn with just one point taken from their last four games on home turf.
Portsmouth may not have won either of their last two games but will take confidence from the fact that they are still just two points off the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand on third place Carlisle United.
Pompey have the best defensive record in the league having conceded just 31 goals – an average of 0.91 per game- whilst they have also kept clean sheets in 40% of their matches. They are not the best going forward with just 49 goals scored, although, having said that, when you defend as well as they do, you do not need many goals to win games.
Paul Cook’s side have been very good away from home this season with 26 points from 17 home games. They have also lost just twice in the league away from Fratton Park since late September.
I expect Pompey to come out on top here but, unfortunately for punters, the visitors have been somewhat priced out. With this being the case, ‘Portsmouth to Win the Second Half’, at 11/10, looks the best option. I doubt Crawley will cause too many problems for Portsmouth here but they may just sit in and make it hard; however, the visitors quality should certainly show after the break. Furthermore, Cook’s men have a knack for scoring late goals with 20 scored in between minutes 75 and 90 in the league this season.
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