Portsmouth build-up thread

[DannyMan2006]

I didnt mean it from that point of view V, it's not being cocky, quite the opposite - it's realising that if he isnt properly healed and gets injured again, losing him for a few more weeks would cause us problems.

I'd have him on the bench if fit. Last 20 minutes if we need him. Caution all the way.

[Craig_H]

Well yeah, the 'if fit' part is obviously the key issue. I'm not suggesting leaving him out if he's definitely fully recovered.

[slimbimjim]

Traore looked useful for them last night.

I would look to play Babel on the left instead of Riera to be honest. Give the lad a rest and we can always bring him on when Babel gets knackered after 60 minutes!

So it's Lucas for Mascher and Babel for Riera.

[Shaggy]

The few times I've seen that Belhadj for Pompey he's been very impressive going forward but suspect defensively. Dirk will have him nailed down anyway.

Quoting myself here...

Anyone see MOTD2 last night? The boy Belhadj played like Messi! Beating people for fun. He's been like this every time I've seen him play. Fantastic pace and dribbling ability. Although...again....the goal they conceded came from his side.

[Tee]

This is the best time to be playing Pompey. I think they will make it hard for us but they look really vulnerable in the areas that we are starting to really show our strength in, i.e out wide.

I really hope we stay concentrated and get the Chelsea result out of our minds. With the right approach to this game we should see a comfortable win fingers crossed.

Anyone else worried about Crouchie? Not sure how Agger and Carra will cope against him in the air. Maybe Sami will get a look in?

[SB]

This is the best time to be playing Pompey. I think they will make it hard for us but they look really vulnerable in the areas that we are starting to really show our strength in, i.e out wide.

I really hope we stay concentrated and get the Chelsea result out of our minds. With the right approach to this game we should see a comfortable win fingers crossed.

Anyone else worried about Crouchie? Not sure how Agger and Carra will cope against him in the air. Maybe Sami will get a look in?

Masher will kick the ****e out of him and he'll beg to be replaced by half time

[Scratch]

The whole time Crouch was here, we bemoaned his lack of aerial ability, and how he was best with the ball at his feet...now some are worried about the threat of high balls??

[Shaggy]

I think that's a misnomer - people tended to bemoan Crouch's aerial ability in front of goal (although not me - he scored plenty). He has always been a handful with flick-ons etc although clearly he does prefer the ball into feet.

[Tee]

I think that's a misnomer - people tended to bemoan Crouch's aerial ability in front of goal (although not me - he scored plenty). He has always been a handful with flick-ons etc although clearly he does prefer the ball into feet.

[rage]

the big win yesterday will mean a lot less if we drop points at home on what will be a freezing wednesday night. these midweek affairs aren't the same as champions league nights. i've already dug out my gloves, layers and pocket warmer hot water bottle things!

no way would i start with a weakened team - if torres is fit then both him and kuyt upfront for me at home - they'll come to defend and playing with just 1 striker imo is only effective against teams that want to at least show some semblance of attack. 4231 is a great counter attacking formation but to get that lead i'd play our version of 442.

i'd despair to see players like lucas and dosenna in the starting lineup. masch has hardly played this season so he's far from tired. alonso is on fire and aurelio gets better the more he plays so i'd just play him until he's inevitably injured again.

if anything i'd rest riera and play babel and put kuyt upfront next to torres. keane looked like he was carrying an injury and i'd rest him for the spurs game.

we can't afford to drop any points upto december imo, these are all games that we need to win to compete for the title. we're on a good run because we're playing our best players in their best positions and i'd hate to see this change.

[Reece]

I really want to see Babel get a regular run up front to be honest. I really think he could be a beast there. Him and Torres could potentially be awesome together! Unfortunately we haven't really got the depth in the wide positions to allow to play up there regularly.

[rage]

I really want to see Babel get a regular run up front to be honest. I really think he could be a beast there. Him and Torres could potentially be awesome together! Unfortunately we haven't really got the depth in the wide positions to allow to play up there regularly.

i thought yesterday was his best lone striker performance in a red shirt, held the ball up really well, brought others into play and took up really good positions.

if he's going to be a striker he needs firstly games and secondly a chance to play as a striker.

he was far better than keane imo yesterday

[SB]

I really want to see Babel get a regular run up front to be honest. I really think he could be a beast there. Him and Torres could potentially be awesome together! Unfortunately we haven't really got the depth in the wide positions to allow to play up there regularly.

Aurelio can always do a job as LM against lesser sides with Dossena at LB. Possibilities no

[Mystery]

I agree that it's time for Babel to start a game, and I wouldn't mind Pennant get a look in either. However, it is a massive game for us, so Rafa has got a decision to make.

Does anyone know if this game is on the telly? I'm in Norway and it's not on, so I'm hoping to stream it. Could someone please help me out?

[Reece]

It's not on telly over here but I'm sure there will be streams available. Check the match thread on the night.