Portsmouth can clip Fulham's wings

Portsmouth look overpriced at 5-2 with VC Bet to disprove the assumption that they will provide little resistance to a motivated Fulham side by beating the Londoners in their Premier League fixture at Fratton Park on Sunday.

Conspiracy theorists will argue that the home side will have more than an eye on next week’s FA Cup final but a victory could potentially lift Pompey two places to sixth in the season-end standings and as such carries serious financial implications.

Portsmouth are without England goalkeeper David James, who has been ruled with a calf injury, while defender Sol Campbell is also doubtful. However, the return to fitness of Noe Pamarot offers a ready solution should Campbell miss out, while manager Harry Redknapp is further boosted by midfielders Sulley Muntari (rib), Pedro Mendes (hip) and winger John Utaka all being available again after spells on the treatment table.

Fulham are no better than 6-5 to claim the three points they need to virtually guarantee top-flight football next season, a feat that appeared unlikely after their 3-1 home reverse to Sunderland little over a month ago.

A run of three wins in four matches has thrown them a lifeline. Whether they have the wherewithal to take it remains to be seen.