On Sky
Citeh at Fratton – easy 3pts for Pompey!
In all seriousness we need to make Fratton a Fortress again but against a side that have yet to concede a goal and have won all 4 games we will do well to get much, although you cannot go into any game – especially at home – accepting you will get nothing, can you? Well I know I cannot accept this mentality, even if I know it will be tough.
We have some new arrivals; sadly not many of them can feature on Sunday!
Vital Quotes:
This was being billed as the ‘battle of the rich Arabs’ when the fixture was announced, hence why the sky sports cameras picked up the game…
The ‘takeover’ only went through this week but it does not appear that all is as was expected, or at least hoped – but time will tell. Still, a takeover is done and the Wolves are from the door for now, hopefully.
Pompey Team News:
New signings Tommy Smith and Michael Brown are set to make their Pompey debuts, a second debut in Brown’s case after a loan spell around a decade ago. Fellow new signings Aruna Dindane, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jamie O’Hara were all signed too late in the day on Friday so they will have to wait until another day to make their bows – sadly…
Injuries see Steve Finnan, Papa Bouba Diop, Herman Hreidarsson and Marc Wilson mean that all miss out again… Also out again is Linvoy Primus with an ankle problem but David James has passed himself fit though, and how we will need him and need him to be at his best!
With club captain Sylvain Distin ‘skulking off’ during the week we need to pair someone alongside Younes Kaboul. Joel Ward had a fine game against Hereford but Citeh are a little better so I would expect Aaron Mokoena, who I expect will also captain us, to slot in alongside him but Ward may well keep his place in the side at right back?
Player to watch: David James
Back from injury, we just have to hope that he is fully fit and at his very best as he will have plenty to do I am sure. Although hopefully Tommy Smith can get off to a flyer as he looks to prove a point to his doubters and Freddy P, after scoring his first goal for Pompey during the week will be hungry for more.
Citeh Team News:
Citeh finally won their battle with Everton and they deciding to let Joleon Lescott join them in a big money move – £22m making him the 3rd most expensive defender in the world, which then saw Distin replace him at The Toffees, so Lescott is set to make his debut alongside Kolo Toure.
Michael Johnson (groin), Roque Santa Cruz (knee) and Vincent Kompany (ankle/foot) are all out though, unfortunately for us Citeh have an embarrassment of riches to come in and replace these – well more than replace them.
Player to watch: Take your pick!
From Shay Given to Emmanuel Adebayor they are all quality players so how can you single one out? I just hope that Given is actually worked by the Pompey players, and worked hard…
Match Facts & Stats
Citeh spanked us 6-0 at Eastlands early last season but we beat them 2-0 at Fratton in Paul Hart’s first game in caretaker charge on Valentines Day – how we would take a 2-0, or any win, on Sunday!
We are currently ‘enjoying’ our worst ever start to a premier league season with is being our worst start to any season in over 50-years…
Citeh only won 2 away games in the whole of last season, they would equal this should they beat us on Sunday – although they have not won at Fratton in the last 4, a 3-1 win in November 2004, which was also on the box I think, being the last time they won at Fratton.
Entertainment ‘should’ be assured as the past dozen of so meetings have averaged 3 goals per game, lets just hope that if this carries on that more are in our favour!
Ref Watch:
Wesley Macgoogoon.
Match Prediction:
Citeh will be the favourites but we are the home side – why bother playing if you think you will lose eh? Wins breed confidence and even though some will say it was ‘only’ Hereford, that win – and the goals scored – should help. Hedge your bets in the predictions league here.
Next Fixture:
After the international break we welcome Bolton to Fratton in a must win, no two ways about it, game! Saturday 12th February at 3pm is the date for the diary.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
