As if consecutive visits to Chelsea and Arsenal weren't enough, we're now faced with a home game against the current league leaders as the difficult start to our campaign continues.
Not that Liverpool's current status at the top of the table actually means anything. After all, it was us who were leading the way at this stage of the season and more impressively we hadn't conceded a goal.
We should be under no illusions about how tough this game will be. The team from the red half of Merseyside haven't conceded a goal in open play and have hit the net 11 times in 4 Premier League games, not to forget their 5-0 aggregate win over Toulouse in Champions League qualifying.
Still, we're at home and haven't been beaten at Fratton Park since Chelsea came here on the 3rd of March. If Harry gets his team selection right (i.e. he plays Lauren at right back and Utaka at right midfield) then we've got a fair chance of winning this match.
The return of Sol Campbell will be a major boost as the defence have looked more porous without him. Benjani has also recovered from a neck injury and should start tomorrow. His endeavour and workrate will be key to breaking Liverpool down whilst Kanu is set to start his fourth consecutive match alongside the Zimbabwean.
Papa Bouba Diop could be set for his Pompey debut and would likely start ahead of Pedro Mendes unless Sulley Muntari is not deemed fit enough to start after returning from international duty. Niko Kranjcar is likely to at least have a place on the bench after scoring midweek for Croatia.
Rafael Benitez will be concerned over the fitness of Irish right back Steve Finnan who is doubtful but otherwise has a fully fit squad to choose from with Jamie Carragher's untimely return from injury and Steven Gerrard's safe return from England duty.
Benitez has been squinnying about how his side have to play away from home so early on a Saturday after the internationals whilst our players have all been saying how much they're up for the challenge tomorrow. That may give a hint as to who are better prepared both mentally and physically for the game.
We've already beaten Liverpool once this pre-season, but that's going to count for nothing tomorrow and the three points are far more important than the Asia Trophy.
If you wish to read the short preview feature I wrote for lfc.tv then click here.
Also, happy 34th Birthday to Linvoy Primus!
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Pompey
GK: David JAMES
RB: LAUREN
CB: Sol CAMPBELL
CB: Sylvain DISTIN
LB: Hermann HREIDARSSON
RM: John UTAKA
CM: Sulley MUNTARI
CM: Papa Bouba DIOP
LM: Matthew TAYLOR
CF: BENJANI
CF: KANU
Bench: Jamie ASHDOWN, Glen JOHNSON, Pedro MENDES, Sean DAVIS, David NUGENT
Liverpool
GK: Jose REINA
RB: Alvaro ARBELOA
CB: Jamie CARRAGHER
CB: Daniel AGGER
LB: John Arne RIISE
RM: Jermaine PENNANT
CM: Steven GERRARD
CM: Xabi ALONSO
LM: Ryan BABEL
CF: Fernando TORRES
CF: Andriy VORONIN
Bench: Charles ITANDJE, Sami HYYPIA, Momo SISSOKO, Yossi BENAYOUN, Peter CROUCH
Last Time: Pompey 2 Liverpool 1
Liverpool fielded a reserve side and it showed as Pompey coasted into a 2-0 lead. James' long kick was headed on by Benjani as the ball looped over Dudek and so the Zimbabwe striker could pass him and score.
Niko Kranjcar slotted in a second following a great pass from Lauren and whilst Sami Hyypia headed in during the second half, we held on for a much needed win.
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Draw (1-1)
Sky Sports: Draw (1-1)
Soccernet: Away Win
Matt Le Tissier: Away Win (1-2)
My Prediction: Draw (1-1)