Pompey entertain Wigan in their last league outing before the big one next week.
Vital Quotes:
Wigan roll into Fratton fighting for survival, a bit of a reverse from 2 years back when Pompey clinched safety at the JJB.
Pompey have players hoping to make the squad next week hoping to impress, others hoping not to get injured.
Pompey Team News:
Defoe is available again after been league-tied last week, his snub by Capello maybe the spur he needs to keep up his goal a game record since signing.
Midfield is where the real stuff will be going on, Mendes, Davis and Hughes have all been bit part players since the turn of the year, all will be looking to catch Harry’s eye, and to be fair all know the best they can hope for next week is the bench. Davis is 1 booking from a 2 match ban which would rule him out of a Wembley trip, but he has promised this will not stop him putting his foot in.
David James has prove his worth all over again, not to us, but to the press who seem intent in resurrecting the ‘Calamity James’ tag after his England exploits midweek. Not really his fault that Terry couldn’t catch Anelka though is it?
Sol Campbell is back after injury kept him out the last 2 matches, Aubey may slip back to the bench, or Harry may take the chance to rest either Hermann or Distin.
Player to watch: Defoe
The little bloke is on fire so far, and if anyone isn’t to be side-tracked by the thought of a Wembley outing it is him, his biggest chance of stepping onto the turf will be with England, so goals aplenty are needed.
Wigan Team News:
Wigan’s midfield looks a bit threadbare, Brown is suspended so he cannot resume hostilities with Davis,Koumas and Palacios join him ijn the stands. Sibierski is a doubt with a calf strain, although Kirkland should be back after treatment on his back.
Wigan’s biggest problem will be with the pitch, they are very unfamiliar with grass down the middle, how they cope is anyones guess.
Player to watch: Heskey
Redknapp has been building the big man up all week, his qualities are out weighed by his lack of goals, but he remains a big threat.
Match Facts & Stats
Since a Chimbonda inspired win in their first season, Wigan have generally left Fratton without too much to shout about, and for Pompey its a chance to acheive another double this season.
Match Prediction:
Pompey out to impress? Or Pompey with one eye on next week? Place a guess here.
Next Fixtures:
Can’t remember who we have next week, not a league match though I’m sure.