Everton are in mid-table after one win and one defeat, losing 2-3 to Blackburn at home and winning 2-1 at West Brom last week.

However, they struggled badly for long periods against the newly promoted side a week ago and, on their showings in those two games, may certainly struggle for a top ten place this season. In mitigation, they have absentees, but look short of true quality at the moment.

Portsmouth are currently bottom of the table, though that's largely courtesy of the fixture computer; a 0-4 away defeat to Chelsea was followed by a 0-1 home defeat by Man United.

Taking on last season's fifth placed team is a relief, given the class difference between the Premiership's top four and the rest. This is something that they can certainly build on.

Against United they looked better in midfield and the loss of Muntari to Inter, whilst a blow, may not be felt so strongly against the other sides in the division. They still possess power in the midfield with Diop and Diarra.

Everton have had a good recent record against Pompey, winning 3-1 and 3-0 in the last two seasons. But this game has come too early and Everton are not in their rhythm.

Match Betting Previews 29-31 August 2008 >>> UEFA Super Cup: - Man Utd v Zenit Premiership: Arsenal v Newcastle - Bolton v WBA - Everton v Portsmouth - Hull v Wigan - Middlesbrough v Stoke - West Ham v Blackburn - Aston Villa v Liverpool - Chelsea v Spurs - Sunderland v Man City La Liga: Deportivo v Real Madrid - Numancia v Barcelona - Valencia v Mallorca Serie A: Sampdoria v Inter - Fiorentina v Juventus - Roma v Napoli Bundesliga: Leverkusen v Hoffenheim - Bayern v Hertha Ligue 1: Marseille v Sochaux - St Etienne v Lyon Superliga: Benfica v FC Porto SPL: Celtic v Rangers

Whether Portsmouth can take advantage seems to be the question; Defoe and Crouch haven't clicked yet and last season, however well Portsmouth did, it wasn't up front that they impressed.

As a result, be aware of putting too much stake on this game, but bookies are fairly split on Portsmouth's chances. Ladbrokes, for example, quote $3.00. But Bet-at-Home quote $3.95 and this is far too high.

BETZINE UK TIP *****

Bet: Portsmouth to win Odds: $3.95 Stake: 3pts Bookies: Bet-at-home

Match Betting Previews 29-31 August 2008 >>> UEFA Super Cup: - Man Utd v Zenit Premiership: Arsenal v Newcastle - Bolton v WBA - Everton v Portsmouth - Hull v Wigan - Middlesbrough v Stoke - West Ham v Blackburn - Aston Villa v Liverpool - Chelsea v Spurs - Sunderland v Man City La Liga: Deportivo v Real Madrid - Numancia v Barcelona - Valencia v Mallorca Serie A: Sampdoria v Inter - Fiorentina v Juventus - Roma v Napoli Bundesliga: Leverkusen v Hoffenheim - Bayern v Hertha Ligue 1: Marseille v Sochaux - St Etienne v Lyon Superliga: Benfica v FC Porto SPL: Celtic v Rangers