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PORTSMOUTH v MIDDLESBROUGH - TEAM NEWS
This is the one-hundredth time that Boro and Portsmouth have met competitively.
Although just how competitive this one will be is anyone's guess. You don't need to be a contectant on Mastermind to work out that Boro will not be taking the remaining league games as the upcoming three semi-finals.
First-team coach Steve Round was talking the match up however.
"We had two bad months earlier on in the season but the cup run has given us momentum. When we lost to Aston Villa and then we beat Chelsea that has been the catalyst for the rest of our campaign. We have been through a period of adversity which made us stronger and we are looking forward to facing Pompey."
Franck Queudrue is back training after a head injury and may figure, as could Andrew Davies who was cup-tied for the midweek FA Cup victory over Charlton.
Lee Cattermole is struggling with an ankle injury, while Emanuel Pogatetz and Gaizka Mendieta are sidelined for the remainder of the season, barring an unlikely Lazarus style recovery from either.
Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua will play. The ex-Geordie was doubtful after picking up an ankle injury in the midweek draw against Arsenal. Defender Noe Pamarot is also available following his hamstring strain.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp told the press; "We have three home games left and we must make the most of them. They will be massive matches, and if we can pick up good home points, then we have got a chance."
"Middlesbrough is a big game - but whoever comes here, we will give them a game. We've given ourselves the chance to stay up but it will be tight."
Portsmouth Squad: Kiely, Ashdown, Priske, Primus, O'Brien, Stefanovic, Taylor, Vignal, O'Neil, Davis, Mendes, D'Alessandro, LuaLua, Mwaruwari, Todorov, Hughes, Routledge, Pamarot
ComeOnBoro Team Prediction from Briggsy
....................Schwarzer
Davies..... Ehiogu...... Riggott...... Taylor
Morrison..... Boateng..... Doriva..... Rocky..... Johnson
.......................Yakubu
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