Source: FOOTYMAD
Burnley vs Portsmouth Preview
The beginning of the end. With Pompey now certain to be relegated following administration, there is only pride to play for at Turf Moor tomorrow.Team NewsAvram Grant will be without Kevin-Prince Boateng, Tal Ben-Haim and Frederic Piquionne because of injury, but Michael Brown could return whilst Hermann Hreidarsson and Marc Wilson should shake off minor problems to continue playing.David Nugent can't play against his parent club so Martin Paterson should take his place in the Burnley side, whilst captain Gary Alexander could return after a month out.The MatchThe Pompey players could take this game one of two ways.They could accept relegation and play like the rest of the season is pointless, therefore causing our fans more misery as the campaign peters out into nothingness.Or, they could play as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders and cause some problems for our opponents for the rest of the season. There is no pressure now, nothing is expected of us which could make us dangerous opponents.On the other hand, Burnley know they have to win this game. The club have been in freefall since Owen Coyle did a "Harry Redknapp" and joined neighbours Bolton despite pledging loyalty to the Clarets.Since Brian Laws has taken over Burnley have only won a single league game and the home form that had been key to their great start to the season has dissolved and the club are now only one place (albeit 16 points clear) above Pompey in the league.I hope our players will be professional and put up a fight tomorrow, as the travelling fans deserve something to cheer after making the long trip up north for what is practically a meaningless game.Predicted Starting Line-UpsBurnleyGK: Brian JENSENRB: Tyrone MEARSCB: Clarke CARLISLECB: Leon CORTLB: Danny FOXRM: Chris EAGLESCM: Andre BIKEYCM: Jack CORKLM: Wade ELLIOTCF: Steven FLETCHERCF: Martin PATERSONPompeyGK: David JAMESRB: Steve FINNANCB: Hermann HRIEDARSSONCB: Marc WILSONLB: Nadir BELHADJDM: Angelos BASINASCM: Papa BOUBA DIOPCM: Hayden MULLINSAM: Jamie O'HARACF: John UTAKACF: Aruna DINDANEPundit WatchLawro: Draw (1-1)Sky Sports: Home Win (3-0)Soccernet: Home WinMy Prediction: Burnley need the points, we don't. Therefore I expect the home side to win this but Pompey to put up a fight.Burnley 2 Portsmouth 1
