James: No Fratton fairytale for Swans
David James is determined to make sure there will be no fairytale for Swansea City when they arrive at Fratton Park on Saturday looking for FA Cup glory.
The Pompey goalkeeper is readying himself for yet another clash against Championship opposition as the Blues continue their defence of the FA Cup.
It will be the seventh occasion Pompey will have faced a club from the second tier from their past eight ties in the competition, with just last season's quarter-final victory at Manchester United interrupting that run.
But despite Pompey being able to battle their way past the underdogs in recent years, James knows what to expect from a well-drilled Swansea side with plenty of motivation to cause a shock.
He said: 'It should be an interesting game against Swansea.
'I'm sure they will be looking to do their bit for Wales after we beat Cardiff last season – although I do know Swansea don't particularly like Cardiff.
'But it's the FA Cup and it's the old clich that it's an opportunity for fairytales.
'Last season, barring Manchester United, every game we had was against Championship opposition with a one-goal victory.
'Swansea are a decent side and it certainly won't be easy.'
Meanwhile, former Wales international Nathan Blake has tipped Swansea to cause an FA Cup shock after City's 2-0 win over Championship high-flyers Reading last time out.
Blake has been less than impressed by Pompey under Tony Adams and believes his Welsh counterparts can spring a surprise.
Blake said: 'I'll predict Swansea go there and win 2-1.
'I think Swansea, after the Reading result, will probably gain a lot of confidence. They haven't lost for a while. I watched Portsmouth on Sunday against Spurs and they didn't impress me.
'David James impressed me a lot, but as far as the team – they don't seem to be motivated in the same sense as they were under Harry Redknapp.'
Pompey's past eight FA Cup ties: Bristol City (won 2-0 in third-round replay after 0-0 draw); Cardiff (won 1-0 in 2008 final); West Brom (semi-final, 1-0 victory); Manchester United (quarter-final, 1-0 win); Preston (fifth round, 1-0 victory); Plymouth (fourth round, 2-1 win); Ipswich (third round, won 1-0).
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
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