But still... how the complexion of this game has changed dramatically within the space of a week!
Most fans and pundits were expecting the relegation battle to go to the wire following our unbelieveable surge in form, with Pompey needing a result against Liverpool who would be nailed on in third place with nothing to play for and supposedly playing a weaker side because they have bigger fish to fry with an FA Cup final on the horizon.
However now it is our opposition who are in need of a win to have a chance of automatic qualification for the Champions League should results go their way. Our Great Escape has been well documented and tommorow will be all about enjoying a game against a top quality side whilst celebrating the monumental achievements of Harry and the lads. In honesty we could get hammered tommorow but it wouldn't lower the decibel level coming out of Fratton Park after what has been a surreal season. Most Pompey fans who saw the Villa game and even probably weeks after that would have taken a scenario where we would need a result against Liverpool on the final day to have a chance of staying up so perhaps the disbelief of achieving that still with a game to spare will be lingering in the minds of the grateful home support.
Despite the party mood tommorow there is still something to play for. 16th position is still up for grabs should Pompey be victorious and Villa fail to beat Sunderland. Also there is a personal reason for me wanting a victory more than others tommorow considering other parts of my family are Liverpool fans and there are bets taking place on this match!
But any result tommorow would add gloss to a finished picture, it would be the epilogue chapter of an intriguing novel so to speak as the work for this season is over and as a consequence certain players could be rested tommorow. Gary O'Neil; workhorse that he is, has been playing through the pain barrier this season and could well be handed a well earnt rest after his massive contribution to the cause. Benjani may also be rested because he is due for an op and Lua Lua faces yet another fitness test before the game. Tommorow may also be the last time we see Wayne Routledge and Andres D'Alessandro in a Pompey shirt so I'm sure both will recieve a great reception, especially the latter who has played a huge part in the revival of this club on the pitch. Here's hoping a permanent deal can be done sometime in the near future.
Liverpool may also field a weakened side depending on Rafael Benitez's priorities though Luis Garcia will be banned following a red card in a previous game. I hope Benitez brings out the big guns. Bring on the likes of Alonso, Carragher and Gerrard. Let's see how far we've come since the FA Cup defeat earlier in the season, and a victory over the likes of these superstars would feel even sweeter than beating the likes of Daniel Agger and err.. Peter Crouch.
After tommorow we will wave goodbye to the Premiership but not for a year as some, if not most were expecting but only for a few months when no doubt we will be entertained by events off the pitch, we are Portsmouth FC after all. But we can look back on the past year with some fondness, if only for the last month or two but we've all been through hell of a ride once again but come August 19th we will all be back for more. Until then there we can enjoy the final 90 minutes of the season without any worry that we will be visiting Layer Road next year.
Play Up Pompey!
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Draw (2-2)
Townsend: Home Win (2-1)
Sky Sports: Away Win (0-2)
Soccernet: Away Win