Pompey for cup of cheer

Portsmouth look worth a bet at 10-11 to beat West Bromwich Albion in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

Harry Redknapp’s team have been left to fly the flag for the Premiership and, with Barnsley and Cardiff contesting the other semi-final, will never get a better chance to win this famous trophy.

It is surprising that Pompey are almost evens to take the honours in normal time. They have occupied a place in the top six of the Premier League table for most of the season, their foundation being a solid defence and the athletic David James.

Portsmouth have already brushed aside three Championship teams in this competition - Ipswich Town, Preston and Plymouth Argyle - and nobody could begrudge them riding their luck when beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the last round.

West Bromwich Albion’s main ambition this season has to be promotion. Tony Mowbray’s team may still be able to achieve that without recourse the dreaded play-offs but, for all their attractive football, they have been betrayed by conceding soft goals. That is something that Portsmouth are more than capable of taking advantage of.

Blue Square make Portsmouth 5-6 to win the cup. West Brom are 7-2, with Cardiff 4-1 and the deserving Barnsley 6-1.