Arsenal vs Portsmouth

TGL:CBKoE · Moderator

Arsenal vs Portsmouth
Arsenal need to build on their hard-fought win over Wigan when Portsmouth visit Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but the South Coast side are looking to prove their lofty Premiership position is no fluke.

Just one point separates the sides in the table at present, with Arsenal now the closest challengers to Chelsea and Manchester United in third place following their late 1-0 victory at Wigan on Wednesday.

The Gunners have also enjoyed wins of 4-0 and 3-0 at home to Pompey in the last two seasons, but Harry Redknapp's side are currently enjoying their finest spell in the Premiership and will be aiming to show they are genuine contenders for a European spot.

The visitors from Fratton Park are desperately short on firepower however, and Sol Campbell's first return to The Gunners since leaving in the summer could come in a makeshift attacking role if Pompey's injury crisis fails to subside.

Redknapp's best hope is former Arsenal striker Kanu who faces a late fitness test due to a knee problem, but Andy Cole (Achilles), Tresor Lomana Lua Lua (thigh) and Benjani Mwaruwari (hamstring) are definitely out.

Pompey have even joked about fielding coach Joe Jordan for the trip to London, but at least their midfield will be strengthened by the return of Pedro Mendes following suspension.

Dejan Stefanovic remains sidelined following a knee operation, whilst Arsenal will no doubt be wary of Matthew Taylor's potency from long range following his stunning strike against Everton last weekend.

Arsene Wenger will also be waiting on updates from his medical staff with both William Gallas (thigh) and Tomas Rosicky (groin, hamstring) nursing injuries.

The Gunners will be hoping Emmanuel Adebayor continues to impress as a replacement for injured skipper Thierry Henry following his goal against The Latics, with Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Freddie Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb hoping to be given the nod in the wide positions.

Arsenal are also likely to recall Cesc Fabregas after the talented Spaniard was rested for the trip to The JJB Stadium before emerging from the bench to set up Adebayor for the winning goal.

Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are still pencilled in for a return in the New Year.

Skysports.com Prediction: 2-0
Arsenal usually enjoy themselves against Pompey and Saturday should be no different.

Player to watch: Robin van Persie

TGL:CBKoE · Moderator

i'll say a 3-0 win 4 the gunners Very Happy

kenneth · Division 1 Novice

2-0 for gunner, goals of adebayor and and cesc

Jewels · Division 2 MVP

3-1 for Arsenal, goals : 1-0 Fabregas, 2-0 Touré, 2-1 Kanu, 3-1 Adebayor

doggiedog · Division 1 Rookie

wow arsenal came back from 2-0 to draw 2-2

papadoodpoedels · Division 1 Novice

who scored?

nakamura · Division 2 Novice

abedayor and gilberto...don't u think abedayor looks like the predator with those braids? hahah anyways he played sick for only being on for what 25 min? sometimes i dont' get wengers lineups....one day he starts flamini/abedayor the next he doesn't. its like u score a goal or play good u have to sit a game so that alliedere can get his token time in cuz he's a little sissy boy.

doggiedog · Division 1 Rookie

it seems to be the new trend in soccer
if a player plays well dont play him Confused

squad rotation isn't the greatest idea though it mite help with the player energy levels