Portsmouth vs Ipswich Preview

Last updated : 18 January 2016 By Jim Bonner

Pompey take on Ipswich Town in an FA Cup third round replay with Bournemouth lying in wait for the winners.

Team News

Matt Clarke is once again unable to play against his parent club so Paul Cook has confirmed he'll give Christian Burgess his first game since he injured his ankle against Hartlepool. Michael Doyle could also be rested ahead of Saturday's match with Oxford.

Mick McCarthy is likely to play a similar side to the one that drew 2-2 at Portman Road but Christophe Berra, Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse have not been included in the squad.

The Match

In all honesty, nobody is going to care too much if Pompey lose to Ipswich tomorrow given that a home tie with Bournemouth in round four is hardly the most enthralling prospect should Paul Cook's men be victorious and the league will always be a priority, especially with Oxford coming up on Saturday.

However, the opposition will feel the same given that they are also focusing on promotion to the Premier League and slipped out of the play-off places after being held to a 1-1 draw with Preston during the weekend.

And given that Mick McCarthy will again pick a weakened side for this game there is every chance that Pompey will once again perform well as the pressure is off, although there may be a concern over the defence if Burgess is a little rusty given that the Tractor Boys possess plenty of firepower.

But for those who coughed up the cash for the replay, they should be treated to another excellent game that will test the Portsmouth squad to its limits. Let's just hope there aren't any injuries ahead of Saturday's crucial league encounter.

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Pompey

GK: Brian MUPHY

RB: Ben DAVIES

CB: Adam WEBSTER

CB: Christian BURGESS

LB: Enda STEVENS

DM: Ben CLOSE

DM: Adam BARTON

RM: Gareth EVANS

AM: Adam McGURK

LM: Kyle BENNETT

CF: Marc McNULTY

Ipswich

GK: Bartosz BIALKOWSKI

RB: Piotr MALARCZYK

CB: Myles KENLOCK

CB: Paul DIGBY

LB: Jonas KNUDSEN

RM: Tommy OAR

CM: Luke HYAM

CM: Giles COKE

LM: Ainsley MAITLAND-NILES

CF: Luke VARNEY

CF: Brett PITMAN

Last Time: Portsmouth 0 Ipswich Town 1 (Championship - 14/02/2012)

This was a Valentine's Day to forget as Portsmouth applied to be placed into administration for the second time in two seasons and an early Michael Chopra goal was enough to win the game for the visitors despite Greg Halford's long throw directly into the net being disallowed.

My Prediction

After how Pompey played in the first match and the desire the players will show in front of a packed crowd tomorrow, I fancy us to win this one.

Portsmouth 2 Ipswich Town 1