Portsmouth vs Blackburn Preview

02 April 2010 14:08
Will Pompey go down fighting? Pompey's relegation from the Premier League will be confirmed this weekend if they fail to beat Blackburn and either Hull win at Stoke or West Ham win at Everton.Team NewsWith his squad ravaged by injuries, Avram Grant has hinted that he may hand debuts to some youngsters, so Joel Ward, Matt Ritchie and Leonard Sowah could make their first Premier League appearances.Jamie O'Hara is available again but David James is unlikely to be risked ahead of next week's FA Cup semi-final. With so many players out, Pompey probably won't be able to supply a full compliment of substitutes for the second week running.Sam Allardyce could welcome back Paul Robinson to the side but has no new injury worries. There has been reports that Blackburn are set to buy Aruna Dindane from Lens and then loan him to Pompey for the rest of the season, enabling him to play against Tottenham next week.The MatchPompey fans could finally be put out of their misery this weekend but will take hope from Blackburn's poor away form this year. Rovers are safe from relegation due to their home form, having only won away at rivals Bolton and Burnley this season.Whatever happens, I don't think Pompey fans will care if relegation is confirmed or not. All that matters is that we don't pick up any more injuries before next week's game at Wembley.I'm sure that we'll put up a fight because pride is still at stake but you can only delay the inevitable for so long. What's the odds on us getting to the FA Cup Final and being relegated on the same weekend?Predicted Starting Line-UpsPompeyGK: Jamie ASHDOWNRB: Anthony VANDEN BORRECB: Leonard SOWAHCB: Aaron MOKOENALB: Steve FINNANCM: Angelos BASINASCM: Michael BROWNCM: Jamie O'HARARWF: Frederic PIQUIONNELWF: Matt RITCHIECF: KANUBlackburnGK: Paul ROBINSONRB: Michel SALGADOCB: Chris SAMBACB: Phil JONESLB: Gael GIVETRM: Martin OLSSONCM: David DUNNCM: Steven N'ZONZILM: Morten Gamst PEDERSENCF: Jason ROBERTSCF: Nikola KALINICLast Time: Portsmouth 3 Blackburn Rovers 2After a dull first half, the game came to life when Crouch headed in Glen Johnson's cross and Defoe fired in soon after to double Pompey's lead. But Rovers hit back when Matt Derbyshire scored with his first touch as his header looped over James and it looked like Tony Adams' side had blown a two goal lead against red and black opposition for the second match running when Tugay blasted in an equaliser.However, Sean Davis gave Pompey a much needed win after he chipped the onrushing Robinson to score his first Pompey goal for what seemed like forever.Pundit WatchLawro: Draw (1-1)Sky Sports: Away Win (1-2)Soccerner: Away WinMy Prediction: I expect a low-key affair here. A weakened Pompey side playing for pride against a Blackburn team who are safe from relegation. I can only see a draw here, but relegation will have to wait as I don't see Hull or West Ham winning their games.Portsmouth 1 Blackburn Rovers 1

Source: FOOTYMAD