Life without Alain Perrin begins today as Pompey entertain Chelsea, that team from West London who are currently top of the Premiership and boasting one of the worlds strongest squads.
Will it be tough? You bet! Can Pompey get anything out of the game? With the Fratton Park faithful superb backing, maybe Pompey can squeeze a point out of this!
Vital Quotes:
Pompey captain Stefanovic ‘Now that he’s gone [Perrin]we’ve got to focus on Saturday’s game against Chelsea and this could give everyone a big lift at the club.
Joe Jordan is a great coach and having been at the club for two years he knows the players and our style of play.
He should correct some of the things that have been going wrong in the last few weeks.’
Mourinho on Lampard who is set to pass 159-game mark set by keeper David James while at Liverpool ‘This one for Lampard is unbelievable. Other players have great talent – Ronaldinho, Shevchenko, Kaka…but this is my favourite player.’
‘He’s a complete player and not lost that quality of scoring from midfield.’
Portsmouth Team News:
Portsmouth caretaker-manager Joe Jordan has captain Stefanovic back after an ankle injury.
Striker Todorov could also make his first start for two years after making a two-goal international return for Bulgaria recently.
Player to watch: Todorov
Keen to impress after his lengthy absence
Chelsea Team News:
Arjen Robben is doubtful with a hamstring problem, but Didier Drogba is expected to recover from a minor knee injury sustained on international duty.
Player to watch: Frank Lampard
If involved, the Romford born 27 year old will play in his 160th successive League match and break the record for consecutive appearances in the Premiership era.
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent) 7 games, 1 red and 25 yellows
Match Prediction:
Pompey shock the nation and bag a point in a 1-1 draw.