Portsmouth will travel to Manchester City for tonight`s match. Pompey go into the game after a fantastic three nil win against Blackburn. Pompey where dominating and will take a lot of confidence from the performance. Man City`s season pretty much starts tonight, after they played Chelsea on the opening day. Chelsea where the winners by three goals to nil and didn`t allow City to play.
Vital Quotes:
‘Harry did a hell of a job keeping them in the Premiership last season,’ said Pearce.
i’m going 1-1 and i would be happy with that! (Les Matthews)
2-1 and our first away win this season. (Nelson)
Man City do nothing on Sunday to even think about scoring. Our Defence will stop City I think. (Nelson)
Still go with us getting at least a draw, may nick a 2-1 win. (storagematt)
I’ve said 2-1 but it could even be 2-0 as you’ve given me confidence to believe their strikers aren’t up to it. (StuartM)
Man City Team News:
http://www.manchestercity.vitalfootball.co.uk
Andreas Isaksson and Didi Hamann face late fitness tests before tonights match. Bernardo Corradi (forward) is a confirmed absentee following his red card against Chelsea on Sunday. Andy Cole is also out(knee).
Samara will start up front with either Vassel or Paul Dickov. If Andreas Isaksson fails his fitness test then Nick Weaver will start in goal.
Tunisian World Cup star Hatem Trabelsi is not expected to be fit.
Player to watch: Joey Barton
Barton is a clever player and could be playing with Hamann which could result in Pompey’s centre midfielders, Davis and Mendes having their work cut out.
Portsmouth Team News:
Pompey should name the same side that won against Blackburn. Toddy and Gary O’Neil have slight injury concerns with Kanu and Thompson on hold.
Player to watch: David James
David James will return to his old club tonight and is bound to want to show city what they are missing!
Match Facts & Stats
Pompey last beat City in a top flight contest on the road on 13 November 1954, when they notched a 1-2 triumph at Maine Road.
City are battling to avoid a fifth successive defeat
Ref Watch:
Dermot Gallagher to ref his first match of the year.
Match Prediction:
1-1 a late Kanu goal enough for Pompey to take a point back home
Next Fixtures:
Middlesborough Monday