Arsenal vs Portsmouth Preview

Last updated : 27 December 2008 By Jim Bonner
Tony Adams returns to his spiritual home in desperate need of a result against the club where he achieved legendary status as a player.

Pompey are only three points above the relegation zone following three straight defeats, conceding nine goals in the process and now face the daunting task of getting a result against the Gunners.

In my opinion, Arsene Wenger's side are out of the title race and only have fourth place to play for after Villa snatched a late equaliser against them on Boxing Day. However, with Emmanuel Adebayor coming back from suspension they'll still fancy their chances of a win tomorrow.

Gael Clichy could also return from injury but there will be no Alex Song, Johan Djourou, Theo Walcott or Cesc Fabregas. So there is a small glimmer of hope for us tomorrow as Wenger is forced to play a weakened team.

That said, Tony Adams doesn't have the luxury of changing his personnel either as injuries to Kaboul, Utaka and Johnson continue to cripple his small squad.

The Pompey gaffer is likely to drop Jermain Defoe in favour of a 4-5-1 formation to try and stifle the Gunners. That means Hermann Hreidarsson could come into the team with Belhadj playing further forward as Armand Traore can't play against his parent club.

After yesterday's debacle I'm not expecting anything at the Emirates but Arsenal have hardly been in fine form themselves and have drawn their last three games. So there may be hope if we can keep it tight (and that is a huge "if").