Portsmouth prediction

Back to league action following the midweek victory in Cyprus, and with qualification to the UEFA group stages likely, the games are going to start coming thick and fast, testing the squad and Mark Hughes's management skills in the process.

Portsmouth were also involved in UEFA action, but have an advantage in that their fixture was played at home whilst we had a fair distance to travel back from so how the players recover will be crucial.

Team wise, Michael Johnson is still expected to be ruled out, along with Martin Petrov but I don't think we will see too many changes from Thursday night given that this is a crucial fixture for us.

Portsmouth stumbled out of the blocks this season, and were a little shot shy in the process, but go into this game looking for their third straight win with dangerman Jermaine Defoe bang in form. They will be difficult opponents and this will be a good test for us and a barometer as to how the side is beginning to shape up under Hughes.

Prediction wise it is a difficult one to and you could argue a case for any result tomorrow, but I'm going to go with the fact that as once again we should see a good atmosphere, this will tip the advantage in our favour for a 2-1 victory.