Portsmouth v Manchester City.
Fratton Park
11th November 2007.
4:00pm kickoff.
Overview.
Yet another stern test faces City this weekend as they travel ALL the way to the south coast to face a Pompey side playing football that deserves better than to be played in that hole they call a stadium. Quite frankly if City came away with 3 points I think it would surprise everyone, but as much as the 6-0 drubbing by Chelsea was a surprise, this City side is more than capable of producing the unexpected result and if Pompey go in thinking they are facing pretenders to a top 4 place, their underestimation could be their undoing.
Man City.
City have been untouchable at home and whilst 4 points from 5 away games seem sub par, when you look at the opponents it is hardly surprising their return has been as poor as it has. The game against Pompey will be the 4th away game against top 7 sides, possibly the only disappointing result(not performance) was the 3-3 draw against 13th placed Fulham. However, in this new look City side they have regained the ability to do the unexpected and turn a game on it’s head with a single moment of pure quality.
Portsmouth.
If you thought City had firepower, they are truly overshadowed by a Pompey side bristling with African talent. Benjani and Utaka have been on fire and with Kanu coming back from injury they should be top heavy in attack. However, due to yellow card suspension, they will be without the outstanding Bouba Diop who has been an anchor in midfield for Pompey
Results.
All Time.
Man City Wins: 33
Draws: 16
Portsmouth Wins: 23
Biggest City Win: 5-1(24/11/56, Maine Road)
Biggest Portsmouth Win: 4-1(13/02/54, Fratton Park)
Since Promotion.
Man City Wins: 3
Draws: 2
Portsmouth Wins: 3
Biggest City Win: 3-1(20/11/04, Fratton Park)
Biggest Portsmouth Win: 4-2(10/1/04, Fratton Park)
From the Pompey Boards.
“I`m confident, & say we will win 2-1..Man. City are flourishing under Sven, & in my book is doing a magnificent job after City`s recent lean spell..”
“Pompey just, home advantage, close game am predicting a close 3-1 if there is such a thing”
“Really tough game for us – a draw will do me just fine. Strongly suspect both teams will be fighting it out with Blackburn and Everton for UEFA places.”
Last Time Out
Man City 1-0 Sunderland.
In a pretty lacklustre game, City were frustrated by a Sunderland side that had the workrate if not the quality to put City to the sword. The game was decided half way through the second half as two ‘pre-Sven’ players, Darius Vassell and Stephen Ireland, combined to good effect to give City a slender(and probably lucky) 1-0 victory.
Newcastle 1-4 Portsmouth.
This game showed how far Newcastle are off the pace and highlighted Portsmouth’s top 6 credentials. The game was essentially over after 11 minutes, Pompey were 3-0 up and cruising to an easy win, only an own goal by Sol Campbell tainted the scoreline in which Newcastle got one more goal than they deserved. Could I finish this section without mentioning ex-City shitstain Joey Barton was responsible for giving away two goals? Yeah, I probably can’t.
Player to Watch – Stephen Ireland.
Superman was on target against Sunderland on Monday night but more than that, he is favourite to resume his role in the centre of the park, a role he is infinitely more familiar with than the right wing, and should see him restore his stock in the City fans’ opinions with a solid foil performance to Elano’s creativity.
Dangerman – Benjani Mwaruwari.
Really you could pick from Benjani, Utaka or the returning Kanu as the dangerman for Pompey, they have attacking flair and blistering speed that has destroyed defences this season. As the Zimbabwean hitman has been on target 8 times in the league this season, he has to be highlited as the main threat from this potent attack.
Prediction.
Best City can hope for I believe is a draw, but on the balance of undeniable home form, Pompey 2-1.
With thanks to SLIM of ManCityFans.Net for this preview.
