Source: Daily_Mail
Avram warns his struggling Pompey side of FA Cup upset against Coventry
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has warned his Barclays Premier Leaguerelegation battlers they cannot afford to lose focus for one moment in tonight'sFA Cup third-round replay at Coventry. [LNB]The beleaguered south-coast club take a break from their relegation dogfightagainst the Coca-Cola Championship side, who earlier this month earned a 1-1draw. [LNB]With so much happening behind the scenes, football issues have been sidelined.Grant, though, will ensure his team remain focused on the job at hand of makingit into the fourth round and a home tie against Sunderland.[LNB] Warning: Avram Grant[LNB]'This is the FA Cup and anything can happen in a one-off game - just look atLeeds winning at Manchester United,' Grant said.[LNB]'But we need to concentrate on our game and make sure we perform to the bestof our ability on the night. I am confident that we have the quality in the team to get the result andmove into the next round.' [LNB]The Portsmouth boss added: 'Although we all know that Premier League survivalis the priority, everyone at the club wants to win this match. [LNB]'We always want to win every game we play - it is a good habit to get into.' [LNB]Pompey return: David James[LNB]Coventry, managed by former Fulham boss Chris Coleman, were in action at theweekend - their Championship clash with Barnsley beating the big freeze whilePompey's trip to Craven Cottage was postponed. [LNB]The midlands club - FA Cup winners in 1987 - have moved up to the fringes ofthe play-offs, and Grant is aware of the potential upset. [LNB]He said: 'I was very impressed with Coventry. They are well organised andcaused us problems. They are on a good run of form and will fancy their chances in front of theirown fans.' [LNB]England goalkeeper David James, an FA Cup winner with Pompey two seasons ago,could return to the side after five matches out with a calf injury, and captainAaron Mokoena is available again after a one-match suspension. [LNB]However, Jamie O'Hara is unavailable under the terms of his loan deal from Tottenham. [LNB]Forward Tommy Smith was recalled to the starting line-up for the first gameagainst Coventry, and feels Pompey can finish the job tonight. [LNB]'There are quite a lot of positives to come out of the game, because wecreated a number of chances and I don't think they caused us too manyproblems,' he said. [LNB]'Now we have got to bounce back.' [LNB] Lens hope for Aruna Dindane recall as legal battle with Portsmouth drags onPremier League ready to defend snow chaos as clubs face a fixture pile-up PORTSMOUTH FC
