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Liverpool face must-win clash

Author: John Harris
Date: 15/03/2010
Football betting

Champions League-chasing Liverpool will have no excuses if they slip up at home to rock-bottom Portsmouth on Monday night.

Rafael Benitez's lacklustre Reds fell to a shocking 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last time out as their continental aspirations took another body blow.

They have failed to shrug off the challenge of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, who look more than a good bet to replace them as one of the big-four this term.

Liverpool's over-reliance to utilise perennial match-winners Fernando Torres and skipper Steven Gerrard is likely to continue at Anfield against Avram Grant's beleaguered side.

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The Merseysiders have now collected just four points from the last 12 on offer and a win is vital if they are to keep in touch with their rivals who are beginning to gather some momentum.

Portsmouth, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Birmingham City on Tuesday evening, are all but set for a return to the Championship next season.

They are five points adrift of pulling themselves out of the relegation zone but with a possible nine-point deduction set to further hinder their progress, they look down and out.

Grant has guided his men to an FA Cup semi-final appearance this term though, where they will face either Fulham or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, but in the Premier League, where it really matters, they have failed.

Former Pompey man Glen Johnson, who made a brief return against Wigan Athletic last week following his lengthy lay-off with a knee injury, could make a full return to action.

Daniel Agger (knee) is a doubt while fellow defenders Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Skrtel (ankle) definitely miss out.

For the visitors, Aaron Mokoena (knee), Anthony Vanden Borre (hamstring) and Tommy Smith (groin) could all make a welcome return. Kevin-Prince Boateng (ankle) is definitely out and may not make a comeback until May.

Last season it was talisman Gerrard who fired home a late winner for the Reds as they secured a narrow 1-0 win and the hosts would settle for more of the same this time around as they attempt to regain their tag as the online betting favourites to snatch a top-four spot.

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