Portsmouth vs Swansea Preview

Last updated : 23 January 2009 By Jim Bonner
Swansea City arrive at Fratton Park tomorrow thinking they'll be able to cause an upset against the FA Cup holders, but Pompey are starting to look better in recent weeks.

Roberto Martinez has done a superb job since taking the Swans job and has introduced a Spanish flavour to the Welsh team that are currently unbeaten in 11 league and cup matches. There's no doubt that they will be more difficult opposition than Bristol City as they look to claim a play-off spot in the Championship.

However, most people, especially Pompey fans, will remember that Swansea were humiliated in this competition last season by Havant and Waterlooville who beat them 4-2 at Westleigh Park after earning a 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

Of course, that doesn't mean we can take them lightly though as we haven't been in great form and Swansea will relish being the underdogs for once having played their last four FA Cup ties against non-league opposition.

Tony Adams is set to hand Jermaine Pennant his debut but Niko Kranjcar is out for three weeks with a torn groin muscle, meaning Armand Traore should play on the left.

Glen Johnson is suspended with Martin Cranie or Marc Wilson likely to take his place whilst Richard Hughes should return to the team after recovering from injury. David James will play with a pain killing injection despite a troublesome knee problem.

Now Pennant has signed there is an option for Adams to play 4-4-2 but despite David Nugent's best efforts in recent weeks I think he will drop to the bench as the manager will continue to play the 4-5-1.

I would prefer to see a more attacking line up at home to a Championship side after the dross that was served up against Bristol City at Fratton Park but then I also expect the Swans to be more adventurous and to cause more problems.

One player can expect a ton of abuse from the home crowd tomorrow and that is Nathan Dyer; a Scummer and a thief but also a good winger on his day who can cause problems. Tony Adams has also highlighted Leon Britton and Darren Pratley as potential threats.

Hopefully the players won't be complacent and will take this competition as seriously as it should be. If they do then we should have enough to beat Swansea but if not then be prepared for an upset...

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Pompey

GK: David JAMES

RB: Martin CRANIE
CB: Sol CAMPBELL
CB: Sylvain DISTIN
LB: Nadir BELHADJ

RM: Jermaine PENNANT
CM: Richard HUGHES
CM: Younes KABOUL
CM: Sean DAVIS
LM: Armand TRAORE

CF: Peter CROUCH

Swansea

GK: Dorus DE VRIES

RB: Angel RANGEL
CB: Garry MONK
CB: Ashley WILLIAMS
LB: Alan TATE

CM: Jordi GOMEZ
CM: Darren PRATLEY
CM: Joe ALLEN

RWF: Mark GOWER
LWF: Nathan DYER
CF: Jason SCOTLAND

Pundit Watch

Lawro: Home Win (2-0)

My Prediction: I think the players will be up for this knowing that the proverbial will hit the fan if we're beaten by a team from a lower league. Our system should stifle Swansea's 4-3-3 and we have the quality to sneak it.

Pompey 1 Swansea City 0