Overview
Bristol City manager Dean Holden reminds fans that the FA cup is “a competition we’re taking seriously,” ahead of their fixture against Kenny Jackett’s Portsmouth.
The Robin’s face Pompey on Sunday, January 10 in the third round of England’s oldest competition as the two sides face off at Ashton Gate for the first time since 2011.
Holden’s side haven’t played since their loss to Luton, after their trip away to Brentford was postponed after members of the City side displayed Covid-19 symptoms in training.
“We couldn’t take any risks. It would have been the wrong thing to do. The EFL made the right call to call the game off. It was a disappointing.”
Portsmouth themselves haven’t played since December 18, where they beat high flying Hull City, but Holden sees this as a benefit to Jackett’s side.
“They’re a team in form but they’ve not played for a few weeks. They’ve been able to get some rest into the players and work on a few things.”
Portsmouth striker John Marquis could be a key figure in the match, with 10 goals and three assists this season he will pose a threat to whoever is between the sticks at Ashton Gate.
Team News
The one positive coronavirus test in the Robin’s camp came from returning loanee Kasey Palmer, meaning the ex-Chelsea midfielder will not be in contention for an immediate return to the side.
Other returning loanees Hakeeb Adelakun (Hull City) and Owura Edwards (Grimsby Town) will both be available for selection, but Cameron Pring is cup tied having helped Portsmouth reach the 3rd Round.
“Hakeeb has come back with a number of games under his belt and comes back a much more confident player having performed for a top club at the right end of League One,” Holden explained.
There could also be a return for Fulham loanee Alfie Mawson, who has been side-lined since an injury against Middlesbrough in October as he returns to match fitness.
Holden said, “it’s a little early in the week to decide if he’s going to feature at the weekend. We’ll just have to see as the week goes on if he’s done enough work to be considered for a first team return.
But the treatment room will remain full in BS3 with Jamie Paterson having an operation on a groin injury and Nathan Baker, Liam Walsh and Joe Williams missing out with injuries that have stopped them featuring this season.
Portsmouth are strengthened by the confirmation that Rasmus Nicolaisen will be remaining at Fratton Park for the rest of the season after a looming threat the centre back could be recalled to MC Midtjylland.
Pompey have also been confirmed to have a clear bill of health in the first mandatory round of EFL Covid testing so the fixture should go ahead with no qualms.
Last Meeting
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Bristol City – Championship, March 17, 2012
The last two times the two teams encountered one another have been goalless draws, the City side on that day contained ex-England and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James and future Pompey striker Brett Pitman.
Last FA Cup Meeting
Bristol City 0 – 2 Portsmouth – FA Cup Replay, January 13, 2009
After a draw in the third round at Fratton Park, Portsmouth ran away winners in the replay at Ashton Gate, with goals being scored by Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar, as future City boss Lee Johnson played for the home side.
Recent Form
Bristol City: L/L/L/W/L
Top Scorer: Nahki Wells, five goals
Portsmouth: W/W/W/D/W
Top Scorer: John Marquis, 10 goals
Bristol City vs Portsmouth kicks-off as 13:30 on Sunday, January 10 at Ashton Gate, with no fans permitted in the stadium as Covid-19 restrictions remain in place.
*All quotes sourced from Bristol Live, available at: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/every-word-dean-holden-bristol-4863287
Dan Carter Sport 