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Tuesday, 9th February 2010

Stoke v Pompey preview

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Published Date:
20 November 2009
Paul Hart will assess his international players before deciding his line-up.
Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda both featured for Algeria against Egypt on Wednesday.

Kanu, Aaron Mokoena and Aruna Dindane have all been in Africa after being called up for their respective countries.

Hermann Hreidarsson played 65 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.

Steve Finnan (groin), John Utaka (adductor) and Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring) are all searching for fitness.

Pompey boss Paul Hart said: 'Every game is different in the Premier League.

'It's a different style of play you are up against every week.

'They play a direct game, but perhaps it isn't quite as direct as Blackburn.

'We've been waiting for one or two to come back, but we've been okay for numbers.

'There are tough games in the Premier League, but I don't look far ahead.

'I try to concentrate on what is important – the next game.'

» Join Steve Wilson for live text commentary of Stoke v Pompey from 3pm on Sunday - set up a reminder here

Tony Pulis will leave it late before deciding what part Irish duo Glenn Whelan and Liam Lawrence play against Pompey.

The pair featured for the Republic of Ireland in their controversial defeat against France during the week and the Stoke boss must assess their fitness.

The Potters are already without Abdoulaye Faye, who is suspended following a red card against Hull.

Robert Huth will switch from right-back to replace him, with Andy Wilkinson coming in at full-back.

The Potters midfielder Matthew Etherington said: 'I am sure the manager will have us fired up, but I don't think we will need much firing up anyway. This is a big game for us.

'I feel very confident at the minute and scoring a couple of goals has helped.

'For the goal at Hull, I probably would have squared it had my confidence not been so high, but because I am feeling good about myself, shooting was really the only thing on my mind.

'Now, it's down to me to keep working hard in training and keep myself in shape.'

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  • Last Updated: 20 November 2009 12:23 PM
  • Source: The News
  • Location: Portsmouth
 
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1

HarryStotle,

Blackheathstone 20/11/2009 16:46:07
Not feeling very confident about this one.
Stoke's home record speaks for itself.
We have key players who will be tired after the week's World Cup matches and I think Wilson will get found out by the physical and aerial threat.
On top of that, we may be going into this match under extra pressure if Saturday's results go badly for us.
2

pompeyfanjamo,

20/11/2009 19:32:14
agree with most points harry but despite some critics i like wilson.
just got that feeling we will lose this one
but hope to be proved wrong

p.u.p
3

Mattyc,

20/11/2009 20:31:31
Draw at bst for me especially as it seems Dindane is doubtfull with chest infection.
4

Steve W1,

21/11/2009 01:01:18
we lose Hart goes i am 99% sure of it! PUP best of luck and prey we get 3 points although a loss looks on the cards and the out come will be better for PFC in the long run! PUP
5

the ancient mariner,

portsmouth 21/11/2009 12:39:48
Hart needs to select a squad of the best we have and play them in their preferred positions. Sounds simple but its a concept that Hart doesn't appear to have figured out yet. I have used the term 'squad' rather than team quite deliberately as tactics will in all probability change to suit given situations during the game. Think of Sams' decisions that affected the outcome of the Blackburn game and Hart yet again failing dismally to counter opposition changes due to his tactical shortcomings.It is possible to win at Stoke if we put persistent pressure on their defense This could be achieved by not playing the narrow diamond formation that opens the wide areas. Possibly play wing backs and Herman as a central defender, Unfortunately there will be a probable 4;5;1 will see another defeat followed by more drivel from Hart about erm erm learning from the positive aspects. Hope some common sense prevails.
6

Andy Weller,

22/11/2009 12:21:32
Steve W1 - shocking comment.... the long-term improvements with Pompey are put right in the boardroom first.... wakey wakey we have sold all our best players and replaced with free's, loans, championship players.... there isnt a team in history which has done this and stayed up! PH is hamstrng, the club is handicapped - by the board - for once just try supporting our team (manager included) please!
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