FORM GUIDE
Arsenal
18 August (Champions League) Celtic 0-2 Arsenal
15 August (Premier League) Everton 1-6 Arsenal
08 August (Friendly) Valencia 2-0 Arsenal
02 August (Emirates Cup) Arsenal 3-0 Rangers
01 August (Friendly) Arsenal 2-1Atletico Madrid
Portsmouth
19 August (Premier League) Birmingham 1-0 Portsmouth
15 August (Premier League) Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham
08 August (Friendly) Portsmouth 2-0 Rangers
25 July (Friendly) Basingstoke 0-0 Portsmouth
21 July (Friendly) Havant and Waterlooville 2-2 Portsmouth
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is in the unaccustomed position of being able to
contemplate fielding the same starting XI for the third consecutive
match as he has no new injury problems after the midweek game at
Celtic. Moreover, Eduardo - who was a late withdrawal from the
substitutes' bench for that game - has recovered from a groin
problem.
Theo Walcott is not yet available after a back injury, but could
return next week at Old Trafford. Meanwhile Tomas Rosicky
(hamstring), Samir Nasri (broken leg), Johan Djourou (knee) and
Lukas Fabianski (cartilage) are all still sidelined.
Last Starting XI (v Celtic): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas,
Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Van Persie,
Arshavin (Diaby).
Probable Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen,
Clichy, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Van Persie,
Arshavin.
Subs (from): Mannone, Eboue, Silvestre, Gibbs, Traore, Diaby,
Ramsey, Wilshere, Eduardo, Vela.
Portsmouth
Steve Finnan could make his debut after a hamstring problem, though
he is reportedly still struggling for fitness. Hermann Hreidarsson
is suffering from a similar injury. Linvoy Primus is still
sidelined with an ankle injury.
Anthony Vanden Borre, who started at Birmingham in midweek, could
be a starter, and Hart could give Kanu a start against his former
club.
Last Starting XI (v Birmingham): James, Kaboul, Wilson,
Distin, Belhadj, Vanden Borre (Utaka), Diop (Basinas), Mokoena,
Mullins, Kranjcar, Piquionne (Kanu).
Probable Starting XI: James, Kaboul, Wilson, Distin,
Belhadj, Utaka, Diop, Mokoena,Mullins, Kranjcar, Poquionne.
Subs: Vanden Borre, Begovic, Hughes, Kanu, Basinas, Nugent,
Ward.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arsenal
There have been encouraging starts from the whole team, with Cesc
Fabregas looking particularly effective, and the new central
defensive pairing offering greater solidity than was often apparent
last term. Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie
have both performed promisingly without yet getting on the
score-sheet, and this looks like a game in which the technically
gifted Russian could open his account. The home crowd will be
looking for his pace, trickery and ability to score from seemingly
impossible angles to illuminate proceedings.
Portsmouth
Goalkeeper David James could be busy at the
Emirates, and the England shot-stopper, who has made 549 career
top-flight appearances, will probably need to be at his commanding
best - as his other persona, the error-prone one, is likely to be
punished. James has been unlucky with the two goals conceded thus
far: one took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot him; the other was
a last-gasp penalty at Birmingham, conceded after he was adjudged
to have committed a foul when dealing with a high ball. Prior to
that, James had made some important saves.
PREDICTION
With Arsenal seemingly in the mood, they are likely to exploit any
weaknesses in the Portsmouth rearguard - and there have been a few
of those evident so far. History as well as form is against Pompey,
and it would be a huge shock (as well as a massive blow to
Arsenal's aspirations) if the Gunners didn't run out comfortable
winners.
Arsenal 3-0 Portsmouth
