Pompey v. Bournemouth

FACup 4th Round - Sat 15:00.

Press Conference & Team News:

Paul Cook: “It’s a great occasion with a Premier League side visiting Fratton Park, which isn’t a regular occurrence here these days. So it’s a game that we’re very much looking forward to and also one where we’ll be trying our best to win.

“The reality is that we’re playing against very strong opposition. If they turn up and play well then we’re going to have our hands full. You look at the calibre of squads that top-flight teams carry and they can bring players into the side who are very good to say the least. We’ll prepare as best as we can and hopefully it will be an entertaining spectacle between two sides who want to play football.

“If we can give a good account of ourselves and get the fans off their seats – like we did against Ipswich – then I’m sure they’ll go home happy. It’s another sell-out for us at a time of the year when money is a bit tight, so it just goes to show how the people of Portsmouth get behind this club."


Michael Doyle Pompey’s skipper said: “You’re going to be right up against it if you’re a League Two side taking on Premier League players.

“We’ll be big underdogs at Fratton Park on Saturday, but it’s a test we’re going to embrace. Our focus has always been trying to get the club out of this division, so this game is a nice bonus for us and we can play with the pressure off. The fact we’re at home with a large and vocal crowd behind us should give us a better chance of causing an upset.

“Everybody’s desperate to be involved – especially after the disappointment of losing to Oxford in the league last week. And even though you want to appear in every game, Bournemouth at home for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup is extra special."

Eddie Howe: "I'm full of admiration for the job (Portsmouth manager) Paul Cook has done. We'll have to be very good to progress in a derby. The pitch is close to the stands and the crowd are involved in games at Fratton Park. If we don't start well it will be difficult."

"Coming in at the third round is a new experience. The magic is there if you want it to be, the competition has changed."

"Junior [Stanislas] is not fit for this game. He might not be fit for next week."