Match Preview: Portsmouth (a)

Liverpool travel to the south coast as they return to league action and look to get over their defeat to Everton in midweek and instead build-on the win over Chelsea last Sunday.

Tony Adams’ first game in charge of Portsmouth was the 1-0 victory at Anfield in late October, courtesy of Steven Gerrard‘s penalty.

Gerrard though is missing with the hamstring injury he sustained early-on against Everton, which has seen him ruled out for three weeks. Thankfully one of them weeks is international week.

With Gerrard out, Yossi Benayoun is expected to take his place with Dirk Kuyt possibly moving alongside Torres up front a 4-4-2 formation adopted.

Rafa Benitez is also without Lucas after his dismissal in midweek, sicknote Philipp Degen (metatarsal) and left back Emiliano Insua who is still away on international duty with Argentina’s under 20’s. Fabio Aurelio could return in place of Andrea Dossena. Javier Mascherano will replace Lucas in midfield.

Probable lineup: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Benayoun, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera, Kuyt, Torres.

Portsmouth Team News

Portsmouth have former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch in attack but winger Jermaine Pennant won’t be eligible to play due to his move to Fratton Park being a loan. Adam’s side are without a league victory since the end of November and skipper Sol Campbell has already launched a ‘battle cry‘ ahead of this match;

Portsmouth have new signings Greek captain Angelos Basinas and former West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins to bolster their squad. Campbell is expected to return from injury.

Possible line-up: James, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Distin, Johnson, Belhadj, Mullins, Davis, Utaka, Nugent, Crouch.

Kick off is 5:30pm, live on Setanta Sports (UK).

  • Our resident Kopblogger, Gerry, will be doing a special ‘Liveblog’ from 20 minutes before kick-off. Click here to join in with the in-game blogging action!