Portsmouth vs Arsenal Premier League (0-3) 02.05.2009

Portsmouth vs Arsenal
Stadium: Fratton Park, England
Match Time: 15:00 UK

13' Nicklas Bendtner
41' Nicklas Bendtner (pen)
56' Carlos Vela



Team News:
Jermaine Pennant and Younes Kaboul could be recalled to Portsmouth's starting line-up for the home meeting with Arsenal.

Former Arsenal winger Pennant, on loan from Liverpool, has started on the substitutes' bench for the last three games but, with David Nugent aggravating a hip injury in Monday's draw at Newcastle, could be drafted in by manager Paul Hart, who admits "a few other bumps and bruises'' among his squad.

Midfielder Niko Kranjcar (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Armand Traore, on loan from Arsenal, has not figured at all since Hart took over as boss in February and is ineligible tomorrow.

Goalkeeper David James warns Pompey cannot afford to relax the tight grip on security which the uncomplicated methods of stand-in boss Paul Hart and his assistant Brian Kidd have reintroduced after the ill-fated Tony Adams reign.

James said: "We've got to try and get something from the Arsenal game - but with Blackburn and Sunderland coming up next there are two sides we actually need to get points from if we want a happy end to the season.

"It would be nice to win a home game again because our home form has not been what it should have been.

"But whatever side Arsenal put out we know it will be one with a lot of talent and hunger.

"They can't win the league so they must now be focused on the second leg of the Champions League and that could be nice for us but it is still going to be tough.''

Arsenal will be without leading scorer Robin van Persie, striker Eduardo and defender Mikael Silvestre for the match as they are all struggling with groin injuries.

However, Andrey Arshavin is available again having been cup-tied for the midweek Champions League semi-final first leg at Manchester United as manager Arsene Wenger looks set to rotate his side.

Left-back Gael Clichy (back) remains sidelined, while centre-half William Gallas (knee) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the campaign.

Wenger is keen for his side to put Tuesday's impending Champions League task to the back of their minds and focus on the game at Fratton Park.

"We have a good run and want to win the game tomorrow. Tuesday is not in our mind,'' Wenger insisted.

"Sometimes it is good to rest players, but we will have a strong team out and go there to win the game.

"When you are on a pitch, you focus on the game - you do not have in your mind what you do three days later, that is part of being a top-level footballer.''

(credits:Soccernet)