Pompey get back to the gritty stuff again tomorrow after the glitz of Europe, and we will meet up with one or two familiar faces.
Vital Quotes:
Fatigue is the big worry for tomorrow, the match in Portugal covered 2 days after all! 2 hours of football on a Thursday night was not the best preperation for a game on a Sunday afternoon, but such are the trappings of stepping out with the big boys.
Pompeys battle weary troops only flew home yesterday afternoon after a goodbye dip in the Atlantic, but if the photos are anything to go by, it was hardly bath water.
Pompey Team News:
Diarra is a definite no-no, his two yellows against Spurs have seen to that, Arnold Mvuemba looks like a likely substitute.
Belhadj dipped out on starting in Portugal, but his fresh legs may well earn him a recall, especially if Harry reverts back to a 4-4-2 at home.
Traore ran his heart out on Thursday, but he really did look absolutely creamed in extra-time and may get a rest.
Sol Campbell would be the most likely recipitent of a deserved rest from the defenders, Hreidarsson is champing at the bit, as no doubt will be Younes Kaboul.
Player to watch: Defoe
Jermain let Crouch have the glory against Guimaraes, but you can count on him wanting the headlines back again, especially with an England squad imminent.
Stoke City Team News:
Pompey welcome back both Andy Griffin and Ricardo Fuller, both neither really cemented places in the first team, but we know how Griffin loves a tackle and Fuller can turn a match with a piece of skill. Also returning will be Amdy Faye, he was a midfield powerhouse for a while until his head was turned by agents.
Tony Pulis also comes back to Fratton, he was one of the victims of Milan Mandaric’s impatience durin his reign, but he has really shown that he deserves a chance to manage at the highest level.
Rory Delap is the biggest doubt, the ex-uptheroader has a hamstring injury, and his Dave Challinor style throw-ins will be sorely missed.
Player to watch: Fuller
I reckon he would love nothing more than to bury one in the Fratton end, he never scored many for Pompey, but Bill Cosby has natural talent by the bucket.
Match Facts & Stats
Pompey won 3-0 in our promotion season.
Ref Watch:
Norbert Dentresangle
Match Prediction:
Teams who play in Europe mid-week traditionally struggle next game up, Pompey lost 6-0 last time, what will the outcome be this time?
Next Fixtures:
away to Villa next Saturday