Pompey v Magpies

After a rare midweek break, Pompey return to more Sunday action against slowly improving Newcastle at Fratton.

Well, Tony Adams has been waxing about the joys of being on the training ground, makes sense really, Pompey have little time to iron out defensive frailties, thgis is because they have spent nearly nearly all the time in competitive action!

Obviously the late goals we are conceeding will be the main issue, that and boosting confidence in players like Belhadj who has alarmingly gone off the boil.

Kaboul is out again, his injury is dragging on longer than expected.
Glen Johnson is playing through a persistent knee injury, but should hold down his place at right-back.

Traore is on the verge of returning and may threaten Belhadj who is just struggling with his form.
Richard Hughes is another coming back to fitness, but will have to be content with a spot on the bench.

Diarra is also close to a return, and if we are to believe the press will grace us with a goodbye performance before he departs in January.

Defoe hasn't been in a red-hot streak for a while, his goals are trickling rather than flowing a the moment, but he is out to prove he is top-dog over Michael Owen.

Damien Duff has an outside chance of playing, he has no fond memories of Fratton however after suffering his horror injury here 18 months ago.
Nicky Butt is also in with a chance of figuring along with Danny Guthrie, both of whom have recovered from injuries.

Could be a shoot-out tomorrow, but Owen is a real goal threat in the area, and he has the same motive as Defoe.

Draw last year, and generally is at Fratton.

Callum Morling

Newcastle are drawing regularly at the moment, but will it be another tomorrow? If you have not already made your predictions in the Pompey predictions league on this match do it here.

Bolton, up there

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