Portsmouth Preview
By Andy Leggott
April 19 2002
Champions, City, entertain lowly Portsmouth in their final game of the season. All eyes will be on the goals scored column as City seek the 4 goals that will give them a record haul.
Portsmouth PreviewCity entertain Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth in the final game of this championship winning season. Having already broken a multitude of records this season, City will be looking for at least 4 more goals to set an all time scoring record for the club. Even accounting for the fact Portsmouth stole a 2-1 victory off City back in November, don't be surprised if City do bow out in some style, I'm tipping City for a 5-0 win.Richard Dunne has been declared fit despite having to withdraw from the Republic squad in midweek but Eyal Berkovic looks set to miss out again, Keegan being unwilling to risk him. The only definate change will see a return up front for Darren Huckerby, probably in place of Jon Macken. The game brings the curtain down on Stuart Pearce's career, his final act as a professional footballer will be to lift the first division trophy. Pearce will also be looking for his 100th career goal so you know who's taking the penalties on Sunday. City have declared the day a "Flag Day", to add to the party atmosphere that will surrond the game, and have announced that they are selling official champions flags, expect as many unofficial ones on the forecourt as well. The day promises to the best at Maine Road in living memory, and for thirtysomethings like myself, the end of a long haul waiting to see our beloved blues lift a trophy. It's been 26 years to be exact and despite what the obsessed, bitter rags say it is a trophy, a trophy that their names appear on as well. The clock has well and truly stopped ticking. CITY ARE BACK AS CHAMPIONS |