Pompey take on Fulham in opener

Pompey will take on Fulham at Fratton Park on the opening game of the season before travelling to newcomers Birmingham City midweek at St Andrews.
Some big dates to note for Pompey fans -
Spurs 17/10/09(h) 27/03/10(a)
United 28/11/09(h) 06/02/10(a)
Arsenal 28/12/09(h) 22/08/09(a)
Chelsea 06/03/10(h) 16/12/09(a)
Liverpool 19/12/09(h) 09/03/10(a)


Saturday, 15 August 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Fulham, 15:00

Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v Portsmouth, 19:45

Saturday, 22 August 2009
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 29 August 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Man City, 15:00

Saturday, 12 September 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Bolton, 15:00

Saturday, 19 September 2009
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 26 September 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Everton, 15:00

Saturday, 3 October 2009
Barclays Premier League
Wolverhampton v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 17 October 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Tottenham, 15:00

Saturday, 24 October 2009
Barclays Premier League
Hull v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 31 October 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Wigan, 15:00

Saturday, 7 November 2009
Barclays Premier League
Blackburn v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 21 November 2009
Barclays Premier League
Stoke v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 28 November 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Man Utd, 15:00

Saturday, 5 December 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Burnley, 15:00

Saturday, 12 December 2009
Barclays Premier League
Sunderland v Portsmouth, 15:00

Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v Portsmouth, 19:45

Saturday, 19 December 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Liverpool, 15:00

Saturday, 26 December 2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham v Portsmouth, 15:00

Monday, 28 December 2009
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Arsenal, 15:00

Saturday, 9 January 2010
Barclays Premier League
Fulham v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 16 January 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Birmingham, 15:00

Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v West Ham, 19:45

Saturday, 30 January 2010
Barclays Premier League
Man City v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 6 February 2010
Barclays Premier League
Man Utd v Portsmouth, 15:00

Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Sunderland, 19:45

Saturday, 20 February 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Stoke, 15:00

Saturday, 27 February 2010
Barclays Premier League
Burnley v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 6 March 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Chelsea, 15:00

Saturday, 13 March 2010
Barclays Premier League
Liverpool v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 20 March 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Hull, 15:00

Saturday, 27 March 2010
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 3 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Blackburn, 15:00

Saturday, 10 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Wigan v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 17 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Aston Villa, 15:00

Saturday, 24 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Bolton v Portsmouth, 15:00

Saturday, 1 May 2010
Barclays Premier League
Portsmouth v Wolverhampton, 15:00

Sunday, 9 May 2010
Barclays Premier League
Everton v Portsmouth, 15:00

Pompey v Stoke preview

Pompey travel up to Stoke on Saturday to face the Midlands side who only having been promoted this season, are looking likely to go back down to the Championship.

Pompey and Stoke have little history - mostly to do with Stoke's old firm the "Norty Forty" being established at a meeting between the two teams at Fratton Park, but the point that we must notice about Stoke is this connections with the good and bad sides of the South coast.

Tony Pulis - ex-Pompey manager
Andy Griffin - ex-Pompey player
Amdy Faye - ex-Pompey player
Salif Diao - ex-Pompey player
Vincent Pericard - ex-Pompey player
Ricardo Fuller - ex-Pompey and Scummer player
Danny Higginbotham - Scummer
Rory Delap - Scummer
Henri Camara - Scummer
James Beattie - Scummer

9 ex-South coast players and a former manager is quite a lot, and I thought we had a few Liverpool ones!

Pompey fans are looking for a second win on the trot under caretaker manager Paul Hart with his new found partnership alongside Brian Kidd. The two were praised by the fans at Fratton Park last Saturday after a 2-0 win against Manchester City, and another win would surely see Hart/Kidd become a full-time partnership until the end of the season.

Stoke have not made it easy for travellers to Britannia Stadium, having gotten points out of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Spuds, Villa, Hull, West Brom and Sunderland. Leading to many Stoke fans claiming the Brit to be 'a fortress' something which we all know about from Fortress Fratton, that has been stormed way too many times this season.

Tony Pulis will not make it easy for the Blues, but being described as a 'six-pointer' on Saturday will surely make it a tough game for both sides.

Stoke have seen their trademark throws by Delap result in goals many a time this season, although the height and quality in the Pompey defence are likely to be on top of things to make sure Pompey keep another clean sheet. With Delap and Fuller out, the throws may not be a problem for the Blues.

Pompey beat Stoke 2-1 earlier on in the season during the fixture at Fratton Park, with Crouch getting that memorable bicycle kick goal.

Pompey Pages Prediction: Another 2-1 to Pompey, although Stoke are strong at home, I believe we have enough quality, determination and strength to overcome the Potters and head back with all three points.

Player to watch: James Beattie - we all despise the player for his past and Scummer connections, but it can't be ignored of his quality and goalscoring ability, and because of the stick he is likely to get on Saturday, I can sadly see him netting for Stoke - it's fate.

Key Pompey player: Jermaine Pennant - Pennant has got the pace and flair to attack the Stoke defence from the wing and give some good delivery in to Crouch and Nugent, and I think his abilities will make a big difference against Stoke.

Likely Portsmouth XI: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Davis, Basinas, Kranjcar, Nugent, Crouch

Pompey v Newcastle Preview - Lua Lua Returns

Lua Lua will be at Fratton Park on Sunday, but sadly it is not the once loved Lomana Tresor Lua Lua who worked so hard for us during our relegation battle period, but his younger brother Kazenga Lua Lua, who plays for Newcastle United. Kazenga will be travelling with Newcastle for the match, live on Sky on Sunday afternoon, as he looks to strengthen Joe Kinnear's midfield problems.

With an unbeaten run of five league games, Pompey will be looking to pick up a win after many dropped points this season has troubled them from challenging for a 4th place spot in the Premier League.

Tony Adams' only injury worry is Lassana Diarra, who will not be risked for the Toon's visit to Fratton Park, although it is thought that Younes Kaboul may also be a doubt after picking up an injury in training. Armand Traore returns from an knock he picked up against Wolfsburg, and Nadir Belhadj looks to regain his place at left-back for the full 90 minutes after being taken off at half-time in Pompey's last two games. Papa Bouba Diop will miss the game through a suspension following his 5th yellow card of the season last week against West Brom.

Fabio Capello is likely to attend the game with his frequent visits to Fortress Fratton with eight English players likely to start on Sunday - David James, Glen Johnson, Sol Campbell, Sean Davis, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch for Portsmouth and Steven Taylor and Michael Owen for Newcastle.

Newcastle are looking to field their strongest side of the season with Nicky Butt and Damien Duff late contenders for the match on Sunday, and if Kinnear goes for Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen upfront, Distin and Campbell may have their hands full.

The Pompey Pages prediction: I think 2-1 to Portsmouth is a fair result, following our recent run of form we need to get ourselves a comfortable three points and I think we can deliver that.

Key Player: Nadir Belhadj, although his form has dropped recently, it has also paid off in our performance when he plays well. Belhadj will need to be getting down the wing and supplying the balls for our attackers when possible.

Newcastle man to watch: Obafemi Martins. Pompey tried to sign him before he went to Newcastle but Harry failed, and he has proven to be a great hit at St James Park and has scored some quality goals, his pace will cause Pompey problems and the Fratton Faithful will be hoping we don't see a Lua Lua-esque celebration from Martins.

Possible Starting XI's:

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little, Davis, Kranjcar, Traore, Defoe, Crouch

Newcastle United: Given, Beye, Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Geremi, N'Zogbia, Martins, Owen

West Brom v Pompey Preview

After a disappointing 3-2 loss to Wolfsburg on Thursday, Pompey travel to the Hawthorns on Sunday to face West Brom.

Adams' injury problems ahead of the Baggies only include Lassana Diarra, Younes Kaboul and John Utaka who were all out for Wolfsburg, with Armand Traore, who picked up a knock in the last five minutes on Thursday, will be facing a fight for fitness with a late fitness test before the game.

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray has no injury worries ahead of Sunday, his only decision comes in the form of whether to play a 4-5-1 system with Ismael Miller up front, or to revert to a 4-4-2 system and include Roman Bednar up there with him.

The Baggies currently sit at 20th in the Premier League, and following the loss in Germany, hopefully we get bounce back with a big win away and slowly start to climb up the table putting pressure on Villa and Arsenal.

West Brom haven't won in eight games, and Adams will look to increase that to nine on Sunday.

Whether Kranjcar and Belhadj will play after their poor performances at the weekend will be down to the fitness of other players, but I think Belhadj may keep his place in the side, with Diop replacing Kranjcar.

Crouch is likely to come back in to attack reverting back to 4-4-2 rather than the unsuccessful 4-5-1 from Wolfsburg.

Pompey last faced West Brom in the FA Cup semi-final as Kanu scored the only goal to send us through to the final, but Adams will be hoping for a more considerable win and so will the travelling fans.

Key Man: Jermain Defoe, I believe Defoe's pace and finishing will be key to downing West Brom, Crouch will need to knock it down for the England forward but the West Brom defence struggle for pace for Defoe may cash in on his opportunity.

West Brom player to watch: Ismael Miller caused Pompey a few problems in the FA Cup semi-final last season, and I think Pompey's defence will need to stay awake as Miller will be looking to throw his weight around and push through Campbell and Distin.

The Pompey Pages prediction: The Daily Mail believe it will be a 0-0 draw with two dodgy England keepers and poor defending, but the Pompey Pages predicition is a comfortable 3-0 win to Pompey.

Possible starting Xls

West Brom: Carson, Meite, Zuiverloon, Olsson, Robinson, Greening, Koren, Brunt, Valero, Miller.

Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little, Diop, Davis, Hughes, Crouch, Defoe.

Pompey can still progress in the UEFA Cup.

There seems to be a lot of worries following Pompey's qualification chances, but picking up all six points in the last two UEFA cup games will guarantee the Blues qualification into the next knockout round.

Although Portsmouth managed to pick up a point against AC Milan during the 2-2 draw last Thursday, it's not over yet.

The situation for Pompey's UEFA cup progress would've been a lot better if Adams' side had managed to hold on to the 2-0 lead that Pompey took after goals from Kaboul and Kanu.

Pompey face Wolfsburg on Thursday in their next European game, and with a game in hand over Braga and AC Milan, a win against both Wolfsburg and Heerenveen will allow the Blues to progress.

Wolfsburg have won both their games in the group so far after beating Braga 3-2 last week and hammering Heerenveen 5-1, so they are likely to put up a fight against Pompey.

The result of Heerenveen v Braga will also come into play on how Pompey will do, but Adams is hoping to welcome the return of Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar to the side on Thurdsday to put the finishing touch together after Pompey let early leads slip against AC Milan and Hull City.

The game kicks off at 19.45 at the Volkswagen Arena on Thursday.

The game will be available to listen live on the official Pompey website.

AC Milan name big guns

There was speculation that AC Milan would rest a number of their big stars for the UEFA Cup clash at Fratton Park on Thursday, but AC have included the whole lot.

Although I am nervous about the influence of such brilliant players in the game on Thursday, and especially without Defoe smacking them in, and Diarra riddling around Milan's midfield, I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Gattuso at Fortress Fratton.

I shall do all I can to try and get a picture with some of the stars, but I am definately crossing my fingers over a 1-0 win for the Blues, with a goal coming from the recently unfortunate Papa Bouba Diop.

The AC Milan squad travelling to Pompey on Thursday consist of:
Abbiati, Dida, Kalac, Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Favalli, Kaladze, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Emerson, Flamini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Inzaghi, Kakà, Pato, Shevchenko, Ronaldinho.
Unavailable players: Borriello
Players not called up: Jankulovski, Maldini, Pasini.

The Pompey squad is currently yet to be announced.

Pompey trio start for England

Pompey players, David James, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe have all been named in Fabio Capello's starting 11 in tonight's game against Germany.

Defoe lines up in attack next to Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Glen Johnson is back in the side after his quality performances for Portsmouth, but the England side is a weakened one.

Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham are all out of the running in the big international derby.

David James retains his England no1. jersey in net.

Pompey's Peter Crouch is also expected to start on the bench.

Four Pompey players make England squad

Picture: Realmadrid.pl

Fabio Capello has included four Pompey players in his squad for England's mid-week encounter with Germany.

David James, Glen Johnson, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch have all been named in the 23-man squad, more than Man Utd, Liverpool, and Arsenal put together.

Whether all four will start is down to Capello, but the little n large partnership has done well recently, and David James and Glen Johnson's clean sheet today will do the duo justice.

There were a few shocks in Capello's squad, with David Beckham and Michael Owen excluded, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney were withdrawn by Sir Alex Ferguson.

On-loan Wolves defender Michael Mancienne, Spurs striker Darren Bent, and Villa players Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Ashley Young were all included in the squad.

England take on Germany away on Wednesday night, and we'll all be hoping we can get one over the Germans before travels to Wolfsburg during the start of December

Goalkeepers: Carson, Hart, James.

Defenders: Bridge, Johnson, Davies, Lescott, Terry, Mancienne, Upson, Richards.

Midfielders: Lampard, Gerrard, Wright-Phillips, A Young, Downing, Barry, Carrick.

Strikers: Agbonlahor, Bent, Defoe, Crouch, Walcott.

West Ham v Pompey preview

Pompey head up to London to face West Ham this weekend, with the Blues looking to continue their unbeaten Upton Park run in the Premier League.

Pompey's main injury concern is Sol Campbell, who hasn't trained this week after picking up a toe injury.

Younes Kaboul looks to be the one to step in for Campbell in defence to hold a solid back four, although Tony could once again revert to a 3-5-2 system using Glen Johnson and Nadir Belhadj as wing-backs.

Midfielder John Utaka is also a major doubt, after the Nigerian was told to stay away from Pompey's training ground to recover from a virus.

Fringe striker David Nugent played a full game against Liverpool reserves at the weekend and so may feature on the bench for Pompey as Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe look set to front the Blues in attack.

Niko Kranjcar is now fully fit, with an assist and a goal in his last two returning matches, we will hopefully see Niko back in flying colours against the Hammers.

West Ham will have Valon Behrami, Carlton Cole and James Tomkins back fit. The Hammers will be without Kieran Dyer and Diego Tristan after picking up mid-week injuries.

Possible starting XIs

West Ham: Green, Behrami, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Parker, Mullins, Bowyer, Bellamy, Cole.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Kaboul, Distin, Pamarot, Kranjcar, Davis, Diarra, Belhadj, Defoe, Crouch.

Pompey v Wigan Preview

Pompey play Wigan at Fratton Park at the weekend, and Adams will look to recall Defoe and Johnson.

Jermain Defoe was left out of the starting 11 during Pompey's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool during the week, as Adams reverted to a 4-5-1 system, with Defoe making way for Utaka.

With Defoe already being linked to a return to White Hart Lane under former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, it was a risky choice to make, but nearly paid of as it took a Steven Gerrard penalty to down Pompey, but Adams insists Defoe is right behind him.

"Defoe wasn't dropped, of course not," said Adams. "I will make tactical decisions, technical decisions and emotional decisions. This time it was a tactical one.

"I want Jermain to be the top goalscorer for Portsmouth, he will be. I want him to be top scorer in the league and I think he can.

"But against the league leaders I wanted something different. We have been getting smashed up away from home - we lost 3-0 at Braga, 6-0 at Manchester City.

"I felt we needed to be resilient and hard to beat first time out for me. That is why Jermain was rested"

"Jermain took it fine, he is 100% behind me. I have had great support from everybody, but particularly from Defoe."

Although reverting to 4-5-1 wasn't a bad choice, Adams will look to return to 4-4-2 with Defoe and Crouch up front.

Utaka is looking to retain his place in midfield, and it may be Bouba Diop, who's ridiculous handball cost Pompey a point midweek, who makes way for the Nigerian.

Glen Johnson is set to return at right back replacing Noe Pamarot who was brought in for Johnson's replacement after a short injury spell.
Diarra should still be included in the squad despite worries of his knee injury returning.
Sol Campbell shall most likely miss the game with a hamstring problem, so Kaboul will carry on the good work at the back.

Lets hope we can take all three points against Wigan, but Adams will have to wary of on-form loanee Amir Zaki.


Possible starting XI

Portsmouth - James, Johnson, Kaboul, Distin, Belhadj, Diop, Davis, Diarra, Traore, Defoe Crouch

Wigan - Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Kilbane, Heskey, Zaki.

Diarra - a big doubt for Braga

Lassana Diarra is a worrying doubt ahead of Thursday's opening group E Uefa cup match against Braga, after picking up a knee injury three weeks ago.

Diarra, was due to return to training today, the last training session before the team fly out to Portugal tomorrow.

The French international has been a big part of Pompey's midfield this season, and Redknapp isn't willing to risk him ahead of sunday's clash against Fulham at home, a game in which Sean Davis will sit out due to last weekend's sending off.

Diarra has'nt lost in 29 cup games since coming to England, and those fans travelling to Braga on Thursday are hoping that it wouldn't have ended there.

Redknapp told the News, 'Lassana has an inflammation of the knee and has been told to rest, which he has done. Hopefully he will have trained today.

'The worry is, though, he has lost 10 days of fitness, so you've got to ask yourself whether he's ready to be thrown back in there against Braga.

'I wouldn't take that chance if there was any doubt. We've got a busy time coming up and I can't afford him breaking down.

'I definitely want him for Sunday. We've got Fulham at home and the league is important to us still, without doubt.

'We've got games Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. You've got to be careful – you don't want injuries during that time. I've got to look at it game by game.

'I've got to decide whether I risk Lassana or not. I'm not going to gamble on him, though. I just can't do that.'

Defoe confident ahead of Belarus encounter

Jermain Defoe insists England are confident ahead of Wednesday's game against Belarus, but will not get complacent.
England head to Minsk on Wednesday hoping for a fourth successive win; giving the Three Lions their best ever start to a qualifying campaign, following wins against Andorra, Croatia and Kazakhstan.

Defoe came on as a substitute during last weekends 5-1 win over Kazakhstan to score his sixth international goal for England.

The Pompey striker told a news conference, 'The lads are confident. You can imagine after the Croatian game last month that everyone was buzzing. We want to keep it going and got another result at the weekend.

'We will be watching the videos on Belarus, so everyone in their minds will know exactly what they are good at and what they are not good at.

'No game at this level is easy. On Saturday we had to be patient - and once the first goal had gone in, we went on from there.

'We won't under-estimate them, but if we work hard and pass the ball like we can do we should get the three points.'

The match kicks-off at 19.30 on Wednesday, with the game being shown live on Setanta Sports.

Let's hope Crouchy and Defoe can sneak a few more goals.

Villa itinerary

Here is a little bit of info for all fans travelling to Villa Park for Saturday's game against Aston Villa.
Nearest Train Station(s):
Witton train station is just a 2 minute walk from Villa Park, the ground can be seen quite easily from the station.

Aston train station is also reasonably close, about a 10 minute walk from the ground, giving you a chance to visit several pubs on the way to the ground.

If you are travelling by car:
From the North:
Leave the M6 at junction 7 and follow the southbound A34 Walsall Road. Take a left towards the University of Central England and then follow the signs for the A4040 to Witton. Taking the first left at the main roundabout and follow the signs towards Villa Park.

From the East:
Use Motorway M1, junction 21 to connect to the M6 at junction 4A. Travel northbound on the M6 to junction 6. Leave the motorway and follow the signs to Birmingham taking the A38(M). From the A38(M) take the first slip road on the left towards Aston. At the roundabout take the first exit (signed to Villa Park). At the next roundabout take the first left onto the A5127. At the first junction turn left onto Witton Lane and follow the signs to Villa Park.

Parking info:
Cars travelling to Villa Park on Saturday 18th October

We recommend that fans travelling by car from the North exit the M6 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for Birmingham A34.

Having passed Alexandra Stadium on the left, all vehicles should stay in the nearside lane. Leave the main carriageway just prior to the flyover at Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium (DO NOT go over the flyover).

The road splits in to four lanes as you approach the traffic lights. Stay in the left hand lane and you will see signs for match-day parking priced at £4.

Villa Park is a ten minute walk from the car park, and using this car park will ensure you access the motorway quickly after the match.

Recommended pub:
The Cap and Gown is a local pub situated just two minutes from ground. It is a decent pub, as half the pub is given to away fans (there is even a separate entrance for visiting fans). It is only a two-minute walk from the away entrance to Villa Park.

Surrounding Take-aways:
Dragon Dragon Chinese Takeaway - Witton Road
Chaps Pizza - Witton Road
Caribbean Flava - Witton Road
Broadway Kebab House - The Broadway
Big John's - Priory Road

There are also the normal food vans outside the ground - one called Villa Filla outside the ground is quite nice.

Food inside the ground is average price - still a bit steep though.
Hotdog - £2.50
Pies - £2.75
Cheeseburger - £2.90
Fizzy Drinks - £1.75