Team News

Blues have a doubt over James McFadden who missed the midweek Scotland game through injury. However this could just be one of those injuries that appears for international friendlies and then disappears just as quickly.

For Portsmouth ex-Blue Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Jamie O’Hara are doubtful and Anthony Vanden Borre is deinitely out.

Last Meeting

The sides last met in August where a David James aberration allowed James McFadden to hand Blues victory from the penalty spot.

Recent Form

Blues league form has dipped of late with only twos win in six. In between that we have had good results in the cup despite being drawn away every time.

Portsmouth had a good win away at Burnley last week which followed shortly after their excellent cup victory over local rivals Southampton. They have not won at home since the fourth round of the cup and have only done so four times all season.

Outlook

So it’s almost upon us.  The biggest game of the season so far with a place at Wembley up for grabs and only doomed Portsmouth in our way.  Should be easy then.  Well no.  When the draw was made a lot of people were happy because despite being drawn away again we would play against a team that might not even be in existence come the match.  As it is Portsmouth are not only still around, they have a new lease of life and will be focusing solely on the cup.  After all the income from a Wembley semi-final will pay off a few of their debts.

To be honest I’m not too optimistic for this one but then I also said that about the Everton game in the fourth round.  I don’t think it would be a bad result for it to be a draw and it to go to a replay at St Andrews.  I’d fancy us to win that.  One thing’s for certain it can’t go as bad as our last FA Cup quarter final in 2006!  It’s definitely going to be a nervy affair and I can imagine the home crowd will put aside their off field worries for the day and really get behind the team.  As I’m sure our lucky 3000 will as well.  If McFadden can’t make it then I hope Benitez gets a run out as while he doesn’t score many he always creates problems for defenses.

If you were lucky enough to get a ticket enjoy the game and make plenty of noise.  The rest of us will be watching on the telly, possibly from behind the sofa.

My prediction 1-1.  Blues to win the replay.