Hodgson trying to emulate Pompey
Roy Hodgson planning to upset Man United
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Saturday, 07, Mar 2009 03:59
Roy Hodgson says his team can take heart from Portsmouth's win over Manchester United in the FA Cup last season when his Fulham side face United today.
Fulham find themselves in a similar position to which Portsmouth were last season as they faced United in the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup. Pompey were huge underdogs as they travelled to Old Trafford, but claimed a famous win and went on to lift the trophy.
Hodgson admits Fulham will also be the underdogs when they take on the European champions, but feels they can do what Portsmouth did and with home advantage on their side, they have a better chance.
"We've got home advantage against the champions of England, and we believe we can make a game of this. We're hoping it's going to be our day. If we did want to take some solace then it is there in Portsmouth last year," said Hodgson.
"It's a big cup match as we've reached the quarter-final stage and the beauty of the cup is that you're never completely out of it. We know that in the cup all is possible so we go in as underdogs as most teams do when they play Manchester United.
"That must be a hard burden for Sir Alex and United to bear as whoever they play they are always the favourites. But that doesn't mean that as underdogs we think we have no chance. We believe that if we do what we can and need to do, it can be our day."
Fulham's chances on winning may depend on the team that lines up for United. With the massive Champions League game coming up against Inter Milan on Wednesday, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could rest some of his key players.