Chesterfield v Portsmouth (7.45pm SKY)

Whilst it’s never great to lose, I am more than happy to take yesterday’s three point loss on the chin.

The beauty with Spread Betting is that if you are close to being right – there’s considerable damage limitation. Regular reader (readers hopefully !!) will know I sold Man City superiority with Star Spreads at 1.7. That was a great starting point, as it turns out, and at half-time was a swing to 2.7 points in my favour – but City fought back to win by two goals.

There was the possibility to trade out (which I didn’t, or recommend so I’m not going to aftertime that) but a fixed odds bet would have been a loser but I’ve ended up with a great run for my money and a small loss.

Wembley yesterday and tonight the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield for the League Two clash which pitches the home side against Portsmouth.

There’s only one recent encounter between these two sides, in the reverse fixture this season, with Chesterfield coming out firmly on top.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Aug 2013 League Two Portsmouth 0-2 Chesterfield
Apr 1983 Div 3 (old) Portsmouth 4-0 Chesterfield
Dec 1982 Div 3 (old) Chesterfield 0-1 Portsmouth
Feb 1982 Div 3 (old) Portsmouth 5-1 Chesterfield
Oct 1981 Div 3 (old) Chesterfield 2-2 Portsmouth
Mar 1981 Div 3 (old) Chesterfield 3-0 Portsmouth
Oct 1980 Div 3 (old) Portsmouth 1-0 Chesterfield
Jan 1978 Div 3 (old) Chesterfield 3-0 Portsmouth
Sep 1977 Div 3 (old) Portsmouth 3-0 Chesterfield
Feb 1977 Div 3 (old) Chesterfield 1-2 Portsmouth

Since then the two teams have headed in different directions. Chesterfield are heading up the table and a win tonight would take them four points clear whereas Portsmouth’s fall from grace seems to continue unabated and they are now battling to stay in the league proper.

It’s hard to believe that Portsmouth were relegated to the Football League Championship only as recently as 2010. Two years later they were again relegated, to League One, and again, in 2013, to League Two.

It’s hard to see anything other than a home win tonight with Chesterfield boss Paul Cook expected to name the same eleven that beat Cheltenham 4-1 last Tuesday. Chesterfield have scored 55 goals so far this season with an impressive goal difference of +25 and are taken to win this comfortably.

So it’s the superiority index again – but this time with the favourites.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

BUY CHESTERFIELD / PORTSMOUTH for 10 points at around 1.2 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (MARCH): LOSS 3.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): PROFIT 97.30 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.