FA - Football - England - FA Cup

Intriguing FA Cup clash today between the teams of Portsmouth and Birmingham.
It may seem strange, but in spite of all the financial issues Pompey continues the successful run in this tournament.
But I believe it will stop here. The troubles for the Southern side are piling. After the administration and the sanctions surrounding it, it appeared that the future of the club is uncertain too and the liquidation of Portsmouth is not avoided for sure.
In addition Grant is uncertain of his future ahead of the team, as apparently he waits on to see what will happen to Pompey, before comitting.
On the other hand we can remember that just 2 seasons ago Pompey lifted the trophy after beating Cardiff at the final. But then it was one proud club, managed by Redknapp and had stable financial ground. Now the situation is completely different.
In the last Premiership game Portsmouth beat Burnley 2:1 at Turf Moore, which showed great character by the players. But I can say the Burnley players did more to lose the game. Just the pressure on them was too high and they couldn't cope with it.
For the match today Boateng is still out, while Mokoena is doubtful. Rocha is suspended.
Birmingham is one of the teams that I think fully deserve their place in the FA Cup quarter finals.
I can say that McLeish style of managing the team can be very successful for the cup games. The defence of the Brummies is great and hardly concedes goals. While in attack the team has bad record, but if we look at the stats Brummies scored a goal in 8 of the last 10 games played.
It seems the team secured a place in the league for the next season and if they keep up the same form they cn even finish in the top half of the table.
So now Birmingham can concentrate fully on this cup clash.
For the match today the only doubt for McLeish is McFadden.
Earlier this season Brummies won over opponent 1:0 at St. Andrews.
I will bet here on the away side. Brummies are in much better situation in many aspects. The team even performs very well in the away games. So I believe the Blues from Birmingham will at least reach a replay.
I bet on Away DNB.

Record Date : 06/03/2010 09:22