Source: Telegraph
FA Cup final: How Chelsea and Portsmouth's players shape up ahead of Wembley
LIKELY CHELSEA CUP FINAL TEAM: [LNB]PETR CECH After an uncertain few seasons following his head injury, the big Czech has recovered his composure and his status as one of the world's best keepers.Rating: 8 [LNB] Related ArticlesGrant: I took Chelsea forwardChelsea v Portsmouth previewJohn Terry tells of World Cup fearDidier Drogba looks ahead to the FA Cup finalFrank Lampard on John Terry and the FA Cup finalSport on televisionPAULO FERREIRA Not as dynamic as Ivanovic but probably a better footballer. Won't hesitate to skip foward and combine up the right with Lampard and Kalou.Rating: 6 [LNB]ALEX Has refined his game over the last 12 months. Reads the game better and more capable on the ball. Packs a great shot.Rating: 7 [LNB]JOHN TERRY Whatever he says to the contrary, England's former captain has endured some very shaky moments this season. Looking more solid now though.Rating: 8 [LNB]ASHLEY COLE Fresh, fit and firing after his injury lay-off, the left-back takes some beating these days. Will join in with attacks whenever he can. Rating: 9 [LNB]FRANK LAMPARD 27 goals from midfield say it all. A phenomenal player blessed with incredible stamina, his appetite for the game shows no sign of waning. Rating: 9 [LNB]MICHAEL BALLACK The holding role doesn't really suit, but Germany's captain will keep things simple, gliding through the game possibly largely unnoticed. Rating: 7 [LNB]FLORENT MALOUDA One of Chelsea's most improved players over the last twelve months. Strong but elusive, he's got a clever football brain. Rating: 8 [LNB]SALOMON KALOU Full of confidence just now, having enjoyed a terrific spell. Will take on opponents at pace on the way to goal. Rating: 8 [LNB]DIDIER DROGBA Hampered by a hernia but still a fearsome prospect, the Golden Boot winner has proved his worth again, this time mostly without those tiresome theatrics. Rating: 9 [LNB]NICOLAS ANELKA An unselfish front runner with devastating acceleration who has had to adapt to Chelsea's shape. Doesn't score so many with Drogba in the side. Rating: 8 [LNB]CARLO ANCELOTTI Calm and unruffled in a debut season that could turn into Chelsea's most successful ever. A man who clearly commands the dressing room's respect. Rating: 9 [LNB][LNB]LIKELY PORTSMOUTH CUP FINAL TEAM: [LNB]DAVID JAMES At 39, still the most naturally talented keeper available to England. Should get plenty of chances today to prove that as well. Rating: 7 [LNB]STEVE FINNAN A good professional whose 34 year-old legs don't move so fast these days. Will have his hands full on that right side. Rating: 6 [LNB]RICARDO ROCHA Another thirtysomething who has seen better days. Sent off twice in February and might have to chance his arm again in countering Drogba. Rating: 5 [LNB]AARON MOKOENA: A tough-tackling defender lacking pace who's liable to concede the odd free-kick. Will be pumped up for this. Rating: 6 [LNB]HAYDEN MULLINS: An experienced midfielder playing out of position at left-back, he won't want to face too many one-on-ones. Rating: 6 [LNB]ANTHONY VANDEN BORRE: The young Belgian, with good energy, will be a willing runner up that right flank. Unlikely, though, to get much change out of Cole. Rating: 6 [LNB]HASSAN YEBDA: Another one with legs who can look dangerous at times. Unfortunately, his awareness and passing sometimes let him down. Rating: 5 [LNB]MICHAEL BROWN: Never the quickest, the midfielder is even more one-paced these days, relying on experience and attitude to get him through. It may not be enough. Rating: 6 [LNB]ARUNA DINDANE: Dangerous one minute, hopeless the next, this unpredictable forward will try to have his say cutting inside from the left flank. Rating: 6 [LNB]JOHN UTAKA: The Nigerian falls into the loose-cannon category in that you never quite know what he'll produce. Usually it's disappointing. Very rarely it isn't. Rating: 5 [LNB]FRÉDÉRIC PIQUIONNE: Quick and useful on his day, the Frenchman will have to use his head to get any joy. Capable, however, of disturbing Terry and co. Rating: 7 [LNB]AVRAM GRANT: Chelsea's former coach has acted with dignity in shocking circumstances to prove he can organise and motivate a very average group of players. Rating: 8 [LNB][LNB]Analysis[LNB]What is the point in Portsmouth going for damage limitation? This is the FA Cup final so the underdogs might as well grace the occasion and go out with a bang by trying to impose their own game on Chelsea.[LNB]That means giving the pacy Frédéric Piquionne something to chase up the channels and Aruna Dindane and Anthony Vanden Borre supporting from the flanks. At the same time, John Utaka must pick his moments to run from deep.[LNB]It is imperative that Utaka can also be persuaded to funnel back when his team loses possession to help the midfielders because Chelsea's three-man version can kill you in that area by dominating possession to supply their attack. [LNB]In response, I would expect Pompey to defend fairly deep to deny space in behind. In a straight race, their two centre-halves, Ricardo Rocha and Aaron Mokoena, will not get anywhere near Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba or Nicolas Anelka. [LNB]That said, this match is not about tactics for Avram Grant's side. It is about 11 players being imbued with belief and confidence before they go out. Without that, Portsmouth have no chance.[LNB]
