It's a match that will surely be overshadowed by many neutral fans for the grand occasions of Real Madrid-Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu and Manchester United-Liverpool at Old Trafford, but
Chelsea at home to Portsmouth just might be this weekends most intriguing encounter. Besides, that match will be played on Saturday, while the former two take place a day later, so there can be no
excuses for missing it (TV: Setanta USA Sports, 9:45 am ET). Third-place Pompey (as the club is affectionately known) is without doubt the surprise package of the Premier League's early days, and
Saturday the club gets a chance to show that it's for real this year when it takes on the two-time defending champion at Stamford Bridge. At this time last year, Pompey looked to be on its way toward
relegation but Harry Redknapp's arrival as manager last December righted the ship. Some smart acquisitions over the summer, including former England internationals Sol Campbell, Glenn Johnson and
David James, have made all the difference, as has the return to form of Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu, who looks much happier after moving from relegated West Bromwich Albion. Chelsea midfielder Frank
Lampard, Redknapp's nephew, hailed his uncle's achievement thus far: "To take them from the team they were last year to the situation there now is basically a miracle, there's no doubt about that," he
said. "He's done what Harry does best." Chelsea of course, will be keen to win, lifted by its comprehensive defeat of Barcelona on Wednesday. A draw would certainly be regarded as a victory for
Redknapp and co.
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