Portsmouth v Stoke City - Follow LIVE Text Commentary

20 February 2010 17:39
Portsmouth v Stoke City

Follow every kick as Portsmouth take on Stoke City at Fratton Park in the Premier League
on 20-Feb-2010, kick off time 17:30

Portsmouth v Stoke City Live

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Rock-bottom Portsmouth face an uphill battle to retain their Premier League status for another season and will need to defeat Stoke City in this crucial meeting on Saturday.

As the league's lowest scorers, with only 20 goals to their name this season, Portsmouth will need to improve their league-low 7.5 per cent shot conversion rate to stand any chance of defeating a Stoke City team that have conceded only two goals in their last four Premier League outings.

Despite failing to win in seven league games, the south coast side will be buoyed by the fact that they have won all of their previous five meetings against Stoke at home.

Pompey have had to battle financial difficulties off the pitch, and a large injury list on it, but manager Avram Grant has praised many of his players for dragging themselves off the treatment table to fight for the cause.

The former Chelsea boss stated: "A few of the players have been playing with injuries. This is an example to everyone of how not to give up when it is a difficult time. They are always fighting."

Stoke have enjoyed a great recent run in the Premier League and are currently unbeaten in six matches - their longest unbeaten streak in the top-flight for nearly 29 years.

The Potters will hope to repeat their 1-0 win over Portsmouth in the Premier League earlier this season, a game in which Ricardo Fuller scored the only goal and his second in two appearances against Pompey in the top-flight.

However, Portsmouth did defeat Stoke 4-0 in a League Cup meeting at Fratton Park in October this season.

Source: DSG