The first real test for Pompey’s newly patched up squad will see them host Premier League big boys Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Andres Villas-Boas to Fratton Park for the first time as well as Pompey’s new owners.
Team News
Liam Lawrence is expected to miss the Chelsea encounter as he struggles in a fitness battle before the start of the season but may be the only injury worry with David Norris facing a late fitness test.
Although many will expect Chelsea’s big name players to be gracing the newly-laid Fratton Park pitch, a number of younger players are also expected to feature.
Frank Lampard, Petr Cech and Alex didn’t feature for Chelsea midweek so are expected to get a significant run-out, but Michael Essien will be missing from action through injury.
History
The last time the two clubs met was 15th May 2010. For those of you who don’t remember that date, it was the FA Cup final 2010 when Pompey lost after Kevin-Prince Boateng missed a penalty and Didier Drogba scored a winning free-kick.
Pompey have won 21 of the previous 82 fixtures between the two sides, having drawn 24 times, and haven’t beaten Chelsea at Fratton Park since the 1-0 win in the 1960/61 League cup win.
The last game at Fratton Park between the two sides saw Pompey smashed 5-0 in March 2010 before being relegated from the Premier League.
Form
Pompey’s last pre-seaon: 4-0 win over Havant & Waterlooville (Ward, Mullins, Kitson, Varney)
Chelsea’s last pre-season: 3-0 win in a behind-the-closed-doors game against Wycombe Wanderers.
Line-Up
Possible Pompey line-up: Ashdown; Halford, Rocha, Pearce, Hreidarsson; Ward, Mullins, Norris, Stockford, Varney; Kitson
Possible Chelsea line-up: Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Maloua, Mikel, Zhirkov, Kalou; Anelka, Torres.
Hopefully it will be an exciting game, and Luke Varny will see what its like to score at the fratton end, Please Mr Cotterill give Henderson a half just to see how he measures up to the very best Quality internationals.
Posted by Bill Merritt | July 16, 2011, 08:18