Pompey v Bolton – Match Preview

Bolton travel to Fratton Park this weekend in what could be an entertaining yet nervy encounter. Portsmouth understands nothing less than a win will do for the relegation threatened side. Whilst Bolton realise three points could all but guarantee their Premier League status for next season.

Many Pompey fans were hoping to be facing Bolton on the back of a convincing win against West Brom. However after only scrapping a point, there is now much more emphasis for the Blues to pick up all three points available against Bolton.

However many fans realise, this isn’t going to be an easy task.

Under Gary Megson, it is of my opinion that he has established a good, competent side. Whilst perhaps they haven’t set the league alight, perhaps challenging for Europe for instance, they have given it a right go.

It is still possible for them to play in Europe too, so we can’t say that Bolton have nothing to play for. With players such as Kevin Davies, Matthew Taylor and Gary Cahill they are a strong unit.

I don’t want to sound too pessimistic but being honest we can’t expect an ‘easy three points’ tomorrow just because we have the home advantage.

What I fear happening tomorrow personally could be a former Portsmouth player, or two if counting Andy O’Brien scoring the eventual winner of the game.

The notable former Portsmouth player I’m talking about is of course Matthew Taylor. Taylor has so far had a magnificent season for the Wanderers scoring his tenth goal of the season last week at Stamford Bridge in Bolton’s 4-3 loss.

However as much as you can praise Bolton, they are beatable. Portsmouth need to have that mentality tomorrow and make it count.

If we pick up three points tomorrow then it could be a good indication that we will survive this season. If we pick up one point tomorrow then it is an indication we will hang on perhaps by little. If we lose tomorrow, it doesn’t bear thinking about.

In terms of team news for Portsmouth, Glen Johnson looks to return to the starting eleven after serving his one-match ban. Midfielder Sean Davis is also in contention after recovering from a knee injury.

Manager Paul Hart has indicated to Sky Sports News that he was so impressed with Younes Kaboul’s performance at right-back against West Brom, that he may keep his place, implying that Johnson may play on the right-hand side of midfield instead.

Bolton is likely to have one player missing from the line-up that played so well against Chelsea last week. Nigerian international Danny Shittu has been receiving treatment on his ankle after colliding with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba last weekend.

He is ‘a doubt’. Former Portsmouth defender Andy O’Brien is likely to replace the former Watford man who came off the bench last week at Chelsea to score his first goal of the season.

Likely Line-ups:

Portsmouth

James

Kaboul – Campbell (c) – Distin – Hreidarsson

Johnson – Davis – Mullins – Kranjcar

Crouch – Nugent

Bench: Ashdown, Pamarot, Hughes, Belhadj, Utaka, Gekas, Kanu.

Bolton Wanderers

Jaaskelainen

Steinsson – Cahill – O’Brien – Samuel

Muamba – McCann – Gardner

Davies – Elmander – Taylor

Bench: Al Habsi, Hunt, Smolarek, Puygrenier, Cohen, Basham, Makukula

What I hope for…

An encouraging performance matched with an encouraging win would settle a few nerves. I would like to see Gekas given a more of a chance instead of a measly minute to prove himself. If I had my way I would start both Greeks from the beginning. Knowing Hart, I predict he won’t even name ‘Bassy’ on the bench.