FA Cup Fourth Round Portsmouth v Bournemouth (today, 3pm)
BOURNEMOUTH manager Eddie Howe has warned his Barclays Premier League players risk getting dumped out of the FA Cup by Portsmouth if their focus is not right at Fratton Park.
The Cherries now find themselves as a prized top-flight scalp following promotion last season.
Pompey have fallen down the divisions since establishing themselves in the Premier League under Harry Redknapp, winning the FA Cup in 2008.
Nevertheless, Howe knows full well what reception will await the Bournemouth players when they travel up the M27, having joined the Fratton Park club in March 2002 as Redknapp’s first signing only to suffer a serious knee injury.
“The Fratton Park pitch is quite close to the stands there and the Portsmouth crowd really stick with their players, so if we don’t start well, it will be difficult for us,” Howe said.
“The mentality from when we arrive at the stadium will be key for us.
“We want to progress and coming into the third round now is still a new experience for us, a couple of wins and you are looking at the latter stages, so we will take it very seriously.
“The magic is there, if you want it to be, and the FA Cup can still be a huge competition in English football.”
Current Pompey boss Paul Cook has taken his side up into the top six of Sky Bet League Two, and knocked Championship side Ipswich out in round three after a replay back at Fratton Park.
