The last time Swansea played an FA Cup tie in Hampshire the Swans were humiliated at non league Havant and Waterlooville.
Since then the Liberty Stadium outfit have come a long way and in a short space of time. Coming through a tricky test away to Blue Square premier outfit Histon unscathed lessons have been quickly learnt by Roberto Martinez and the Swansea squad. Taking on the current FA Cup holders would be a daunting task but last Saturday's 2-0 win over promotion tipped Reading will undoubtedly give the Swans the belief of overturning a Portsmouth side packed with world class players.
It is certainly a prospect that has exited Swansea boss Roberto Martinez but the Spaniard has insisted that he is taking the game seriously and despite going into a premier league environment the Swans are not there to make up the numbers as he told the SWEP, he said “We are through to the fourth round, we are going into a Premier League environment to face the holders and we have the full backing of our fans. We recognise all that and we are taking this game very seriously.”
He added “They have some world-class players, and they have a footballing legend as their manager. We have to be very wary because Portsmouth are a very good side, but we still hope to find a way of being ourselves. It's a glamorous tie for us and, if we can go and be competitive, a lot of positives will come out of it whatever the result. We recognise all that and we are taking this game very seriously.”
Beating Cardiff City in the final last season, Portsmouth have lost their manager Harry Redknapp to league rivals Spurs and have lost Jermaine Defoe to the White Hart Lane club in the process but more concerning to the Fratton Park faithful is the clubs inconstancy in the league. In the 3rd round championship side Bristol City held Pompy to a 0-0 draw but failed to down the premier league club in the replay at Ashton Gate. Despite this Swansea will take great comfort in the knowledge that Tony Adam's side are not in form.
Despite this Portsmouth shot-stopper David James is predicting another tough game but has warned Swansea he is in no mood to hand the Swans a fairytale ending as he told Portsmouth News, 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 cliché that it's an opportunity for fairytales.Swansea are a decent side and it certainly won't be easy.'
Injury Lists:
Pompy boss Tony Adams has a near full squad to pick from but the former Arsenal veteran will be without defender Glen Johnson through suspension. Both Richard Hughes and Papa Bouba Diop could make a surprise appearance for the south coast side.
Adams will also be able to call upon new signing Jermaine Pennant after the midfielder completed his loan move from Liverpool this week.
Roberto Martinez has very few new injury concerns with Leon Britton back after serving his one match ban against Reading last weekend. Left back Fede Bessone is now fully fit but after the excellent performances by Alan Tate the Argentine could find it difficult to usurp the former Manchester United player from the left side of Swansea's defence.
Matty Collins is still out with a ankle injury whilst Tom Butler is unavailable and is a week off of full fitness due to a Groin injury.
Players To Watch:
Jason Scotland: After a slow start to the season, Scotland is fast turning into one of the championship's most prolific goal scorers this season. Gaining in confidence the 29 year old has brushed off criticism from Swansea fans for his perceived lack of work rate but as answered his critics after scoring seven goals in seven games. Should Swansea get their passing game going and the Portsmouth defence allow the Morvant born striker room for manoeuvre who would bet against him punishing the FA Cup holders?
Peter Crouch: Resigning for his former club the towering striker could prove to be a handful to the central defensive partnership of Ashley Williams and Garry Monk. Known for his flamboyant goal celebrations should Swansea not mark him well the England international will take full advantage.
The Form Book based on the last five results:
Portsmouth: LLDWD
Swansea City: DDWWW
Man In The Middle
Tomorrow's offical is Andre Marriner.
Planet Swans Prediction: Pompy 1-1 Swansea City