Source: FOOTYMAD
Portsmouth vs Cardiff Preview
A 2008 FA Cup rematch, of sorts. There's no doubt that Pompey's game with Cardiff tomorrow will bring back memories for some of the FA Cup Final just over two years ago, even if it seems more like ten.Team NewsPompey will give late fitness tests to David Nugent and John Utaka but both should be available for selection, whilst Marc Wilson is likely to play his last game for the club before moving to Stoke.Craig Bellamy will lead a strong looking Cardiff side out, with Jay Bothroyd and new signing Andy Keogh battling to partner him in attack. Michael Chopra and Darcy Blake will miss the game with injury but players such as Peter Whittingham and Kevin McNaughton, who played in the Cup Final two years ago, should feature.The MatchLike Pompey, Cardiff fans have been put through the mill recently as their club has also been threatened with winding-up orders from HMRC. However, with new owners on board, the future looks bright for the Bluebirds who now have a squad capable of automatic promotion.There seems to be some bitterness from some of their supporters from what I've seen, and even manager Dave Jones has "no sympathy whatsoever" for Pompey simply because "nobody has got any for us". (I think you'll find that most football fans don't want to see a club wound up, Dave.)Not that our situation should matter to him, as he now has the luxury of having a proven Premier League goalscorer in Bellamy to pick for his team, along with the Championship's top scorer of last season in Whittingham.As for Steve Cotterill, he will be forced to play anyone who is fit from the side that edged out Palace on penalties on Tuesday. Saying that, he does have the "bonus" of having John Utaka returning to the fold.This is likely to be Marc Wilson's farewell appearance for Pompey, so hopefully he can chip in with a goal before his move to Stoke. He will be key to getting anything from tomorrow's game, as he is the only midfielder we have who can provide a quality forward pass.However, the most important part of the match will be our defence vs their attack. Sonko and co. have not covered themselves in glory this season and are undoubtedly up against the best attacking force in the division.Jamie Ashdown has shone in Pompey's last two games and I believe he will have to be at his best again if we are to go away from Fratton Park a happy bunch tomorrow.Predicted Starting Line-UpsPompeyGK: Jamie ASHDOWNRB: Hayden MULLINSCB: Ibrahima SONKOCB: Aaron MOKOENALB: Carl DICKINSONCM: Marc WILSONCM: Michael BROWNCM: Richard HUGHESRWF: Tommy SMITHLWF: John UTAKACF: David NUGENTCardiffGK: David MARSHALLRB: Adam MATTHEWSCB: Gabor GYEPESCB: Mark HUDSONLB: Kevin McNAUGHTONRM: Peter WHITTINGHAMCM: Danny DRINKWATERCM: Seyi OLOFINJANALM: Andy KEOGHCF: Jay BOTHROYDCF: Craig BELLAMYLast Time: Portsmouth 0 Cardiff City 0 (Division Two - 23/03/1985)I don't remember anything about this game as it was before I was born. Those who were around then may remember it for the famous "clock theft" incident.My PredictionDave Jones says that Cardiff "owe" us one after 2008 and I can't see anything other than him and his men avenging their FA Cup Final defeat. I simply cannot see our clumsy defence keeping out such a potent strike force.Portsmouth 1 Cardiff City 3
