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Preview: FA Cup - Chelsea vs. Portsmouth

Preview: FA Cup - Chelsea vs. Portsmouth
© BBC
Chelsea meet their 2010 FA Cup final opponents Portsmouth for the third-round tie in the domestic competition on Sunday.

A repeat of 2010's FA Cup final is due to take place in the third round of the competition, with Chelsea and Portsmouth going head to head at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Andre Villas-Boas takes charge of his first match in the coveted competition this weekend, with Spain international Fernando Torres expected to be handed a rare start due to the absence of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who have left for the African Cup of Nations.

England midfielder Frank Lampard, who was linked with a surprise switch to Manchester United today, is likely to have a spot in the Blues' starting lineup alongside Ramires and youngster Josh McEachran in midfield.

John Terry was an initial doubt for the match due to a back injury but it appears that the 30-year-old will skipper the side on home turf.

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton is likely to field a similar side that defeated Watford 2-0 at Fratton Park on Monday.

Defender Ricardo Rocha is still suffering with a calf injury while Luke Varney is expected to be excluded, despite making a slow recovery from a knee problem.

Current form:

Chelsea: WDDDLW
Portsmouth: WWDLDW

Possible lineups:

Chelsea: Turnbull; Ferreira, Luiz,Terry, Bertrand; McEachran, Lampard, Ramires, Mata; Lukaku, Torres

Portsmouth: Henderson; Mokoena, Pearce, Hreidarsson, Ben-Haim; Lawrence, Mullins, Huseklepp, Norris; Futacs, Kitson

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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Written by
Danielle Joynson

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