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CHELSEA vs Portsmouth: FA Cup 3rd Round Preview

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Date: Sunday, 8 January

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

 

After some bizarre results in the last lot of Premier League games, which saw us get a win against Wolves and both United and City drop points, this weekend it’s the FA Cup and for us that means a home tie against Portsmouth.

We’re without Drogba and Kalou thanks to the African Nations again so let’s hope Fernando Torres is ready to show us what we can expect during Didier’s absence.

 

 

MANAGERS’ VIEWS

Going into today’s game, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says “I think our results away from home have shown that we are more tranquil, we have less anxiety, this is a thing we also have to address in our home games at Stamford Bridge. We’ve discussed it between us and I think we can correct it.”

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton meanwhile, says “It’s a fantastic tie.  It’s a great chance for the fans to have a day out at Stamford Bridge.  For the players it’s an opportunity to pit their wits against a side who have done really well in the Cup recently.  They’d had some bad results there of late but look like they might have turned it around.”

 

 

SQUAD NEWS

For Chelsea, Michael Essien (knee) remains out and John Terry (knee) is a doubt, with a late fitness test planned.  Ivanovic and Mikel have both spent time nursing injuries recently and are also not confirmed as available and Drogba and Kalou miss the game because of AcoN.

For Portsmouth, Rocha (calf) and Varney (knee) are doubtful.

 

 

TEAMS

CHELSEA (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Romeu, Lampard, Ramires, McEachran, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, Torres, Sturridge, Lukaku, Turnbull.

 

 

PREDICTION

Well, I guess in our favour is the fact we beat Pompey in the final in 2010, courtesy of a Didier Drogba goal but slightly more worrying is our erratic form, particularly at home.  It’s a case of expect the unexpected with us lately, so my guess is anything could happen.

 

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