Upset unlikely as powerful Portsmouth look to inflict damage on Magpies

FA Cup
BT Sport 1, 12.30pm Saturday

The stage is set as York Road prepares to host the biggest match in its 147-year history with the visit of 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth, but it could not have come at a worst time for Maidenhead.

The Magpies have been woeful since the end of September and have lost their last six matches, conceding a whopping 23 goals in the process and suffering heavy defeats to Fylde and Havant & Waterlooville.

This form has seen them drop into the relegation zone with the worst goal difference in the entire National League, and things are beginning to look bleak for manager Alan Devonshire.

In their current state it is difficult to imagine any sort of miracle even if Portsmouth play a weakened side, particularly when factoring in the south coast side’s league form.

Kenny Jackett has guided them to the top of Sky Bet League One and is yet to taste defeat on the road in all competitions this season, boasting eight wins from ten games.

Defensive strength has been crucial to Pompey’s success, while strikers Jamal Lowe and Ronan Curtis have also proved their worth with six goals each this term and Oliver Hawkins has found the net three times in his last four games.

If Jackett opts for a strong line-up things could get out of hand quickly for Maidenhead, but even a weakened Portsmouth side should comfortably take the win.

Recommendation
Portsmouth -2 on handicap
2pts 11-5 Paddy Power

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team News
Maidenhead
The hosts could hand a debut to on-loan defender Alfie Kilgour, who arrives from Bristol Rovers. Midfielder Christian Smith misses out through suspension.

Portsmouth
Midfielder Dion Donohue misses the trip with a hamstring injury, while forward Joe Mason will also be unavailable with a groin problem.

Key stat
Maidenhead have not scored at home in their last three matches.

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