Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea and Portsmouth to test-drive the new Wembley pitch before FA Cup final
Chelsea and Portsmouth will be allowed to train on the Wembley pitch today to familiarise themselves with the new surface ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup final.[LNB]In an unprecedented move, the FA will allow the teams an hour each to train on the turf which has been re-laid since last month's semi-finals. [LNB]It follows the barrage of criticism for a pitch which has now been re-laid 11 times sincethe national stadium was re-opened three years ago. [LNB] Sliding tackle: John Terry loses his footing on the slippery Wembley turf during the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa last month[LNB]The newest surface was unveiled last weekend for the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals, when it cut up quite badly. It has been attended carefully all week by the groundstaff ahead of tomorrow's showpiece. [LNB]Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to be critical but was keen to give his players a close look before they move on to the team hotel in Hertfordshire ahead of the game. [LNB]'I'm not worried but I know the pitch has changed so we want to train there,' said Ancelotti. [LNB]Other managers have been more outspoken. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp branded it 'scandalous' after losing in the FA Cup semi-final and Portsmouth's Avram Grant agreed it was a 'disgrace'. [LNB]It was described as slippery on top and hard underneath, making it easy for players tolose their footing. [LNB]Arsenal's Arsene Wenger claimed it was worse than any pitch in the Barclays PremierLeague and feared it might threaten England's bid to host the World Cup in 2018.[LNB] The strange case of John Westwood... or Dr Jekyll and Mr PortsmouthPortsmouth fulcrum Kevin-Prince Boateng sidelined from FA Cup final by ankle injuryTerry raring to go in FA Cup final as defender admits he's '100 per cent fit'CHELSEA FC
