The final whistle goes, and City end up winning comfortably against ten man Pompey, who's poor defending cost them when it mattered most.

Felipe Caicedo will be replacing Blumer Elano.

The game is being played at almost walking pace now, and its been a relatively easy afternoon for City today.

Only 5 minutes to go, and Cardiff will be hoping that Pompey defend like they have today next month at the final.

Niko Kranjcar is replaced by Sean Davis.

Hart saves well from a Baros shot from 12 yards out, however after that third goal, this game seems all but over.

Michael Johnson tries his luck from range, however his shot is wide of the post.

Lucien Aubey and Milan Baros replace Papa Bouba Diop and John Utaka.

Deiberson Geovanni replaces Stephen Ireland.

Benjani scores! The striker shows great composure to hold off a defender and shoots from inside the box as he beats James at his near post.

Lauren is booked for a foul on Sam Williamson.

The game has gone into a bit of a lull in the last 5 minutes as both sides fail to produce chances of note.

Sam Williamson is booked for a foul on Utaka.

James looks like he may have to come off as he continues to hold his calf muscle.

The second half has certainly improved in terms of quality as Vassell smashes an effort into the sidenetting from the edge of the box.

Hart makes a great save and tips a shot onto the post, seconds later, Utaka's effort hits the other post! Pompey were very unlucky not to level the scores there.

Benjani shows a couple of great controlling touches, turns inside the box, yet somehow manages to blast the ball over the bar from 6 yards out.

Richard Dunne is replaced Sam Williamson. Dunne looks like he may have picked up an injury, a reason perhaps for his early exit.

The ball is crossed in from Utaka, however it just goes over the top of Defoe's leap, had he made contact, that effort was certainly goal bound.

Neither side have made changes to their sides during the break as Defoe looks in disbelief at the referee for not awarding a free-kick after a rough challenge on him.

The second half begins and City, with a man and goal advantage, will be confident of holding on, or extending their lead.

The whistle goes and the sides enter into the break with City going in a goal up, however the sending off of Hermann Hreidarsson could be the crucial moment of this match come full time.

The half is almost at an end, and an interesting half of football that hasn't contained much quality, has somehow contained 3 goals and a sending off.

Down to 10 men, Pompey, with a poor record away to City originally, wont have improved their chances of improving that.

Hermann Hreidarsson is sent off after he challenges Vassell. Vassell was running through on goal when he was brought down by the Pompey player, referee Marriner considers him the last man, and gives him his marching orders.

Both sides have the chance to advance their cause for European qualification, you wouldn't realise that however from the performance of both sides so far.

James makes yet another save after benjani goes through on goal after more poor defending from Pompey.

Benjani is allowed a free header inside the area which brings out a save from David James.

All 3 goals have been the result of some questionable defending, and both managers will not be happy at their defences in the opening 30 minutes.

John Utaka scores! Some static defending by City in the box allows Utaka to convert from close range to bring Pompey back into the match.

City are certainly strolling at the moment, to make matter worse for Pompey, Lauren appears to be struggling and may need to come off.

Pompey have been rocked here in Manchester, and at this rate, some of the Pompey players may be playing themselves out of that FA cup final side next month.

Martin Petrov scores! City score twice in two minutes, and Petrov's effort takes a deflection of Sol Campbell as the ball decieves James before going in.

Darius Vassell scores! Ireland crosses the ball in, and after a defensive mix-up between Campbell and James, Vassell has the simple job of tapping the ball in from close range.

The odds are certainly against Pompey today as their last away win at City was in 1963, however, Portsmouth have won away from home 9 times this season, a record only bettered by Chelsea.

Papa Bouba Diop hits a long range effort on goal that warms the hands of City Keeper hart as he turns it round the post.

Andre Marriner is the referee for the game today, and City will be looking to capitalise on a Pompey side that has one eye on the F.A Cup final.

Glen Johnson recovers from a bug and starts while Kanu is out of the squad as Pompey begin with: James, Lauren, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Muntari, Diarra, Diop, Kranjcar, Defoe

Keeper Joe Hart recovers from a knock and keeps his place, however Sturridge is out with a knee injury as City start with: Hart, Elano, Corluka, Dunne, Ball, Vassell, Ireland, Gelson, Johnson, Petrov, Mwaruwari