Crystal Palace vs Portsmouth BettingChoice Analysis

Crystal Palace can end almost a two-month run without victory against Portsmouth at home on Boxing Day. Although the last time the play-off winners experienced the joy of three points was at St Andrews at the end of October, there has been plenty of positives in the intervening period. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Palace have shown a number of times they are capable of collecting sufficient points to maintain their Premiership status. Draws have been achieved against Arsenal, Southampton and Blackburn, while the defeats against Liverpool and Charlton were only after last gasp winners. Boxing Day opponents Portsmouth have at last announced that a successor to Harry Redknapp. Velimir Zajec has been confirmed as the new manager after initially only taking temporary charge in which eight points were won during a five game spell. While Pompey have to be applauded at the manner in which they have responded to the loss of Redknapp, it will be interesting to see how the team responds after experiencing their first loss. The next few weeks could be a testing period for the club despite the security of knowing who will be manager for the foreseeable future. Portsmouth are not the same force away as they are at Fratton Park, and will be going up against a team desperate for a victory. Crystal Palace are a best price 6/4 to win (Bet365) Also worth supporting on Boxing Day at a slightly longer price are another of the Premiership strugglers. Blackburn Rovers have been able to pull away from the bottom in recent weeks, and call move completely clear of the drop zone by beating Newcastle United at Ewood Park. Since leaving Blackburn for too good an opportunity to miss, Graeme Souness has watched his new club drop down the table. The Magpies are now closer to being relegated than qualifying for Europe at present. Worryingly for the club is the manner in which they are losing and the indiscipline that is now creeping into their play. The Blackburn players already have the motivation of Premiership safety, but the thought of beating their old boss will no doubt ensure the hosts try that little bit extra.