Chelsea v Portsmouth: Big Phil to Extend Blues Unbeaten Home Run to 83 Games

History is certainly on Chelsea’s side in this fixture as Portsmouth have not beaten the Blues at Stamford Bridge since 1955 and have not beaten them at all in the Premier League. In fact, last season’s 1-1 draw at Fratton Park in February was the first time Pompey had taken any points from last season’s runners-up. However, this is one of the strongest Portsmouth sides in many years so this may not be a forgone conclusion.

Big Phil inherits a Chelsea side that is unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in over 4 years which is a top division record. They’ve now won 60 and drew 22 of their home matches since losing to Arsenal at the Bridge in February 2004. Few Premier 10 or Footy 15 players would expect Pompey to end this incredible run though a draw is a distinct possibility. After all, Chelsea drew 7 of their 19 home matches last season so will be wary of Harry Redknapp’s side who were one of the Premier League away specialists of last season.

Portsmouth may have ended last season with 2 away defeats at Man City and Boro as they began to focus on the FA Cup but they still possessed won of the best away records in the Premier League. Pompey actually won 28 of their 57 points away from home last season as only Chelsea (42), Arsenal (36), Man Utd (35) and Liverpool (34) won more points on the road.

Harry Redknapp’s side won a total of 9 Premier League away games with only Chelsea (13), Man United and Arsenal (10) winning more. Therefore they are not a team to be taken lightly by any means. This is illustrated by the fact that the South Coast club recorded a run of 6 consecutive PL away games between September 23rd and December 8th. This was their best ever top division run away from home. It also equalled the club record of 6 consecutive League away wins, set between Apr-Aug 1980 in Div 4/Div 3.

However, for those Premier 10 and Footy 15 players who are debating whether to back Portsmouth to gain a point at the Bridge, it’s well worth noting that Pompey’s only PL away draw last season was 2-2 on the opening day at Derby. No team in the top division drew as few. Therefore it’s well worth either backing them to win away or lose as they rarely take a point, so a home win is the best option despite the impressive new signings on both sides.

Pundit’s Pick: No Scolari Scalp for Harry (HOME WIN)

Read our statistical guide to the New Foreign Signings,  ‘Home Bankers’ & ‘Away Specialists’.

Read Alan Hansen’s Column here>>

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Find out who has predicted what this week as well as the choices of Alan Hansen, John Barnes, Tony Cascarino, Former Referee Graham Poll, Radio 1 DJ Chappers plus many more: Click here to read>>

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Tags: Chelsea, footy15, Portsmouth, Premier 10, Premier League

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