Two years ago, Portsmouth won the FA Cup to set in motion what David James has described as a "crippling" of the club's finances. Now, with a squad ravaged by the worst excesses of the darkest period in Pompey's history, the club face a formidable challenge on the pitch: tackling a rampant Chelsea side that greedily accumulated in excess of 100 goals when winning the Premier League title.

The contrast between the two clubs could hardly be greater ahead of the Wembley final. Chelsea, supported by Roman Abramovich's vast resources, appear poised for the first domestic Double in their history. Portsmouth are the underdogs to end all underdogs, having seen the club change hands on five occasions this season, most recently to the current administrators in a development that cost them nine points and any hope of avoiding relegation.

Despite all their problems - which have included failing to pay their staff on time on multiple occasions - the supporters have remained firmly behind their beloved manager Avram Grant. His current popularity is in stark contrast to the struggle he endured to win over sceptical Chelsea fans, and having twice lost in cup finals with the Blues at the end of 2008, Grant will be suitably determined to engineer the most unlikely of cup victories.

In the news: Where else to start but with John Terry's injury drama? As of 1530 BST on Wednesday, the Blues captain was out of the World Cup due to a metatarsal injury. Two frantic hours later, and with the defender leaving Cobham with a protective boot in place, medical updates confirmed he may well play a part in the FA Cup final. Whoever said the English media gets hysterical come World Cup time?

On the Portsmouth side of things, David James has hinted he may well stay at the club, and incur a hefty pay decrease, despite their relegation to the Championship. "I've thought about it [the future] but I haven't made any decisions because I need to sit down with the administrators and see what the plan is. With the FA Cup coming up, there is nothing that's going to happen between now and then. That conversation will happen afterwards."


Chelsea team news: Despite some claims to the contrary on Wednesday afternoon, John Terry is expected to play following a training-ground injury sustained in a collision with Daniel Sturridge. Terry was forced to don a protective boot when leaving Cobham but will not miss the World Cup and trained on Wednesday. Fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic is a doubt due to a knee problem though, so Paulo Ferreira is on standby to deputise for the Serbia international.

Portsmouth team news: O'Hara remains a doubt due to his back complaint while Aruna Dindane (groin) and Kevin-Prince Boateng (ankle) are also generating cause for concern. Nadir Belhadj has returned from Qatar where he was undergoing treatment on a hamstring problem and may be available, with Richard Hughes also making positive progress following another hamstring injury. Marc Wilson (hamstring) and Hassan Yebda (thigh) are further doubts for a side that may be stretched to the limit.

Probable Chelsea team (4-3-3): Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, A Cole, Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka.

Probable Portsmouth team (4-4-2): James, Finnan, Rocha, Wilson, Belhadj, Mullins, Mokoena, Utaka, O'Hara, Piquionne, Dindane.

Soccernet prediction: It would be faintly ridiculous to predict anything other than a Chelsea victory. Portsmouth may have exhibited real spirit during their troubles this season but it may well become a question of how many Chelsea can score.

ESPN

Champions against worst loosers,
this should be interesting. . .

Chelsea wins!

if portsmouth r not careful, i go give them 12-0

up chelseaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

History in making!

No room for complacency, portsmouth has nothing to lose and will play their heart out. come one blues, let's secure the double

any link?

waledoy:

any link?

Pick your choice from that site.
http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=74974&part=sports

9 times over and we still can't get a good pitch.

Chelsea!

Lampard!!!

Nice one Anelka. .

OH!  

This match just start to dey flow. . .

How did Drog not score

Is it me or Nic has certainly improved his game. No more dwelling for too long on the ball. And I'm loving the fact that he takes his shots ONE TIME!
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DD? Twice!!! What a chance that was! good block from Mokoena.

Ballack caused that. .

See reflex!!! Cech is CLASS!!!

Kalou misses from 3 yards.

KALOU!!!!!!!!

nateevs:

Kalou misses from 3 yards.

and this topic isn't even on the homepage

Another hits the bar. . .
THis is not a good sign. .