Bristol City have left nothing to chance in their bid to dethrone FA Cup holders Portsmouth at Ashton Gate tonight.
Gary Johnson had his players practicing penalties in training this week to see who would have the nerve to take one against England goalkeeper David James in tonight’s third-round replay, which is likely to be watched by a sell-out crowd.
Johnson has never beaten a Premier League side while in charge at Ashton Gate but came agonisingly close two seasons ago when the Robins lost on spot kicks to Middlesbrough in a fourth-round replay sent to the wire by a 117th-minute equaliser from Jamie McCombe.
Now, two years on and 100 years since Bristol City reached the FA Cup final, Johnson is mustering his men for their best chance to date of unseating a team from the top tier.
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams’ travails have been well documented. He has won only won three of his last 18 games, the club are up for sale and his side have been shorn of midfield maestro Lassana Diarra and, more recently, England’s Jermain Defoe.
Nicky Maynard, Michael McIndoe and Brian Wilson are all back for Bristol City after missing the 0-0 draw at Fratton Park 10 days ago and big defender Jamie McCombe has recovered from a recurrence of pelvic and stomach strains as well as shin splints.
The 6ft 5in centre back was pivotal in marking England striker Peter Couch out of the game on the south coast and his fitness is a relief for the City manager, faced with the threat of Crouch’s 6ft 7in frame.
“I think we’ve got as good a chance as any,” said Johnson. “We respect that they’re a Premier League side, we know they’ve got some world class players. They’re still the favourites, they’re still the ones under pressure. They’re the ones the media have come to see get beat. And if we can help that situation we will. Our boys are really looking forward to it.
“We had a little (penalty) competition this morning,” he added, confirming he has picked his penalty takers on the basis of it.
“We had two teams and walked from the half-way line. We tried to replicate exactly what’s going to happen. The lads who were walking up to take the penalty got some stick from the other lads so it’s a little bit like the opposition and some missed because of it. I’ve got to be aware of which ones missed and why.”
City have had a change in fortune since Christmas, banishing a winless run of eight games with results at Watford and Crystal Palace, seeing in the New Year in much healthier fashion. The draw against Pompey helped continue the renewed confidence flowing through the team and Johnson is aware tonight’s game, despite being a cup match, will impact the team’s form.
“I keep saying two wins isn’t a run but I’m pleased with our form,” he said. “It’s definitely going to be a tight game but it’s one we think we have every chance in. We have to believe that our game can cause a problem. Neither team deserved to win at Fratton Park. It’s up to us, being at home to open up a little bit and create more opportunities.
“This is just as big a game for them at this point in time. They’ll be disappointed in the draw at Fratton Park but they will believe they can win the game at Ashton Gate. This is the game where we get the opportunity to beat the cup holders.
“FA Cups are one-off games. We’ve all got stories of the FA Cup. As players, coaches or manageers and those stories stay with you. You always remember the big FA Cup games. And they bring small towns together, puts small towns on the map. The FA Cup is a fantastic competition and I’ve never met anyone that thinks otherwise.
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