EPL 19/1/2008 - Portsmouth vs Derby County

Has Harry Redknapp jinxed himself and Portsmouth by staying at the club and turning down Newcastle's offer? We will continue to find out tonight in this live commentary and play by play match between English Premier League (EPL) teams Portsmouth and Derby tonight. On paper this should be a walk in the park for one of the surprise teams of the season Portsmouth against sure to be relegated Derby. However, Portsmouth has been absolutely stuttering of late and with a host of key players missing from the African Nations Cup, they have to hope that Redknapp can take some time off watching out of his bedroom window at the coastal sights and walking his dog and find a solution to their scoring woes instead. They have also signed the newly crowned "Le Sulk" of football in Lassana Diarra who wants first team football everywhere he goes when he has been unable to show his worth so far each time he is given the chance to. Maybe Redknapp can bring the best out of him but Portsmouth fans beware, Diarra is only using your club as a stepping stone to better things (teams) but I believe he will be forgotten after another season or two if he continues to think he is the next big thing when he has proven nothing.

Now with Derby, perhaps Paul Jewell can weave some of his magic and pull the team out of relegation certainty although I honestly doubt it. But you cannot doubt the hardworking attitude and honesty of the team - they just lack the quality. The EPL needs teams like Derby every season though, how else would Liverpool find a way to score anything more than a goal in a game? But this live commentary game for Derby will be the final nail in their coffin unless they can pull off a result. Even Jewell has implied that it is a lost cause and he might do well to plan for next season in the Championship now.

Despite Portsmouth's troubles and acquisition of Diarra, I expect them to finally score at home and score at will. The over the total odds for this live commentary and play by play English Premier League match between Portsmouth and Derby certainly looks appealing and it is something I fancy putting a decent amount on. Hopefully there will be a goals galore befitting a match live telecast and commentary.