FA Cup Final - Chelsea vs Portsmouth

[BlueLion. 21,491]

The FA Cup Final

Chelsea vs Portsmouth

FA Cup, Saturday 15th May 2010, Wembley, 1500 KO

Chelsea will look to successfully defend the FA Cup after earning the right to play Portsmouth or Tottenham in the final.

The Blues beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the semi-final at Wembley in April to book another date with destiny under the famous arch, against Avram Grant's Portsmouth.

Grant led Chelsea to two cup finals during his short spell in charge of the club, and though they were beaten on both occasions, Blues fans will look back with fond memories of stunning semi-final wins over Liverpool and Everton in the process.

The Israeli boss also rekindled Chelsea's title ambitions despite being in 8th place when he took over, leading them to massive victories over Arsenal and Manchester United, whilst thumping Manchester City 6-0 and Derby 6-1 en route to a dramatic last day in the title race.

And now Grant will prepare his cash-strapped and relegated Portsmouth side for arguably the biggest day in their recent history.

The match pairs together the two most recent winners of the competition, with Portsmouth beating Cardiff in 2008 and Chelsea earning cup glory in 2007 and 2009.

MATCH CHAT HERE

[BlueLion. 21,491]

PORTSMOUTH

[Kez 2,727]

The whole country will be supporting Pompey in this one.

Delighted for them though, shame they wont be winning it.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

They were superb today. They will have earned a lot of support for this cup run; and everyone will support them. This will be a tough game for one reason and one reason only - Chelsea complacency. We crushed them the last time we met, the players will probably underestimate Portsmouth and we might get punished by their sheer desire to win this trophy.

[Laylabelle 9,296]

Yeh agree about the whole country do.This is gana be one tough final! But hopfully yeh we wont underestimate them,know what this means to them and not let Grant get a bit of 'hehehe' sorta thing

And hopfully the pitch be sorted!!!!

Shame though no doubt only 25,000 fans for each club be there!!

Edited April 11, 2010 by Laylabelle

[zolayes 14,489]

They were superb today. They will have earned a lot of support for this cup run; and everyone will support them. This will be a tough game for one reason and one reason only - Chelsea complacency. We crushed them the last time we met, the players will probably underestimate Portsmouth and we might get punished by their sheer desire to win this trophy.

I dont think our players will take it for granted ,,,THEY WILL WANT TO WIN ...especially if its for the DOUBLE(treble

if you count Community Shield)

[Ray. 217]

Just been texted by a mate to say that there will probably be more tickets for Chelsea, so am hoping that will mean some for members. They played an absolute blinder today, didn't think it would happen. I was on the edge of my seat throughout. Looking forward to the final, and cannot wait. :blue scalf:

Edited April 11, 2010 by Blueray

[ZanSnake 1,211]

I would love to see Sturridge start in the final, or come on as a sub instead of Drog/Anelka. Daneil has been astonishing in the cup for us this year, and i think he deserves to be given a chance.

Why let the same beavers beat the tree? As to say.

[CFCJP 0]

Defo agree with the lot of you... Pompey defo deserved to go to the finals, and i think its going to be a entertaining final for everyone. BUT the cup will be coming back home to its proper place... the bridge. Pompey will just be happy with the cash... lets face it!

[oxfordblues 299]

ahhhhhhhhhhhh just checked my work rota,looks like im at work that day.i can feel a bad backcoming on.

[CFCJP 0]

Or a age old classic... Dodgy takeaway always does the trick!

[oxfordblues 299]

that sounds good mate

[Luke 60]

Will Pompey be putting out a full strength team? Was reading that half the squad will be owed bonuses and what not due to clauses in their contracts if they play, let alone win, something they cant afford.

[CFCJP 0]

Like taking candy from a baby really.... this cup final just gets easier for us lol

[Jon 18]

Fitting Pompey would make it to the cup final... sadly, they're gonna get the shit kicked out of them.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Like taking candy from a baby really.... this cup final just gets easier for us lol

Those words might come and bite us at the end of the match.

[warnie_666 1,081]

Well I am sure every football fan would like Pompey to win it considering what they have been through this season. The players of Pompey would have their tails up and it would look a much tighter affair. Hopefully our players dont take it lightly.

[CFCJP 0]

Trust in your team... Why people think that its going to be a difficult game annoys me a little.

Yea ok its far from over, but lets be honest were not at full 'power' with Essien and Ivonic and Cole all out... just think how well we have done with out them... and then they turn up on May!!!

Our encounters with Pompey have always pulled good result and that is just because we have the firepower to out gun them. In the words of our Saviour John Terry... "'We have seen the last four or five weeks the team working hard from each other and that is the key. The quality has always been there and always will be in the top four or five teams in the Premier League but if we can work hard, win our tackles and do the basics very well then we should be okay. If we can win our games there is nothing anybody else can do."

Them words alone get me rarin!!