by Johnny Moore
Pompey’s academy players will finally get the chance to test themselves against the might of Manchester United tonight.
The Blues travel to Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground for the FA Youth Cup third round tie, kick-off 7pm, after bad weather saw the game twice called off in December.
Academy coach Ian Buckman will take charge of the team tonight following the departure of Head of Youth Operations Paul Smalley, who left the club by mutual consent last month.
The Blues will be hoping that a break from league duties can herald a change of fortunes against the Red Devils.
Pompey have recorded just one victory all season and sit bottom of Group A of the Premier Academy League with just four points from 13 games.
But last season’s run in the FA Youth Cup will still be fresh in their minds.
After beating Huddersfield by a single goal at Fratton Park, the Blues went into 2010 with the exciting prospect of taking on Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
And Nadir Ciftci – who has since gone on to score for the first team – bagged the goal that earned a dramatic 1-0 victory.
That set up another high-profile match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where Pompey eventually bowed out 1-0.
This season’s clash with Manchester United appears to be another daunting task but it might be the perfect time to take on Paul McGuiness’ youngsters.
They currently lie fifth in their Premier Academy League group but have recently hit somewhat of a brick wall after an eight-match unbeaten start to the season.
United have suffered four defeats in their last five games, losing 4-0 to Wolves, 4-3 to Everton and 2-1 to Bolton, before signing off for Christmas with a 3-2 defeat to Crewe.
But the Blues’ back-line will need to keep John Cofie on a tight rein – the striker has netted 10 goals in 12 league games for the Red Devils so far this season.
Michael Keane has weighed in with six strikes from midfield, with Paul Pogba and Sean McGinty netting three apiece.
The winners of tonight’s game will travel to West Ham in the fourth round.