Mellberg puzzled by Pompey game omission

David O'Leary surprisingly dropped the Swedish international centre-back to the bench, preferring instead to partner Alpay and Ronnie Johnsen in the heart of the Villa defence.

"I was very surprised and disappointment," Mellberg said to the Swedish media.

"I have not heard any reason why I was left out of the side at Portsmouth. I'm in great form and had looked forward to the season and trained a lot."

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