Clash of the Titans [R] Monday night, Leicester City (2) vs. Portsmouth (1)... live on Sky Sports... With just two points separating the two, this match has major championship implications. The winning team goes top of the table and pulls even farther away from the pack. Pompey will be bringing new striker Yacubu Ayegbini and a bitter tase in their mouths after their 2-0 defeat to the Foxes in a soaked Fratton Park. In-form Leicester finally have the opportunity to overtake Portsmouth and could have a few new loan signings this week if they can clear the Football League's red tape. I predict a 1-0 win for the home side on a Dickov penalty
Great strike from Taylor equalizes for Portsmouth. Game finishes 1-1. Pompey still two points ahead of Leicester.
As much as the other factors (manager, facilities, experience, etc.) play a part. Nothing will count more here than money. That, IMHO, will be Leicester's biggest worry. It's all well and good being 'out' of administration but if the (approx.) 20 M windfall from being promoted is going to go straight to paying debts, it'll be a long year for the Foxes. There are a few decent players on that squad (although I really don't rate Summerbee as Prem quality) but it'll need strengthening for a Prem campaign and that's going to be hard without any cash.
That's definitely the Foxes' biggest worry. I think Adams will have to get a lot out of very little next year. Next season will be all about survival.
Leicester's advantage (over Portsmouth) lies in Premiership experience and infrastructure. Alright, they were relegated last time around, but they've spent the majority of the past half dozen seasons in the Premiership and have really lost only two key players (Savage and Lennon) from a team that was pretty successful. If Leicester can strengthen themselves in a few key positions, they can survive(if not thrive) in the Premiership next year. A quality midfielder and, more importantly, a genuine top flight goalscorer would make a lot of difference. Portsmouth are miles behind. A wealthy benefactor maybe, but a legoland stadium and limited revenue generating abilities, plus a group of players who might shine in the first division but are largely either unproven, or proven not good enough in the top flight. When it comes it comes to seeing teams run away with the First Division championship and then promptly getting relegated from the Premiership, I (as a Palace supporter) have got the T-shirt. Portsmouth, sadly, fits the bill. Plus, what does Mandaric do with his money? Build a stadium and invest in the club, with not much to establish the team, or build a team but without real potential because the infrastructure is so poor. He has already said this is the great dilemma he faces. Leicester, in my opinion, have a demonstrably better chance of staying up.