BURNLEY and Portsmouth will both be looking for inspiration from their talented playmakers when Robbie Blake (below) and Paul Merson (above) go head-to-head tomorrow.

Both men have been in great form this season and they like nothing better than dropping off the front and finding spaces in behind the strikers.

Merson's career has been a roller-coaster ride, from the highs of championship triumphs with Arsenal and England caps to the lows of massive problems with drink, drugs and gambling.

He has played at Middlesbrough and Aston Villa before making the move to the South Coast in the summer.

It was a transfer that went down much better with Pompey fans that those at Villa Park and how they are crying out for his creative touch. His wages will not be cheap but after joining on a free transfer he will be worth every penny if Pompey go up.

Blake is at last finding his feet after a problematic start to his Clarets career and he is revelling in a roving role in a front three alongside Gareth Taylor and Ian Moore.

The result may well hinge on which of the two playmakers enjoys most success on the day.