Spurs v Portsmouth preview

Premier League rule means striker misses out

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 21st March 2008

Jermain Defoe for Portsmouth

Defoe: Ruled out

Skysports.com prediction: Tottenham 1 Portsmouth 0

Sky Bet odds: Tottenham 10/11 Draw 9/4 Portsmouth 5/2

One to watch: Robbie Keane

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Portsmouth head to play Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday without key striker Jermain Defoe.

A Premier League rule means that Defoe cannot play against his former club and the bombshell was dropped at Fratton Park on Thursday with the league "reminding" Pompey Defoe was not allowed to play against Spurs until next season.

Because of the time constraints on transfer deadline day, Defoe initially signed on loan before almost immediately completing a £7million deal.

Harry Redknapp had already drawn up his squad for the match with Defoe, after six goals in his first six matches, the first name on the list and has faced a last minute alteration with it looking likely that John Utaka will partner on-loan Milan Baros up front.

Portsmouth, however, will take positives that they head into the game well-placed in sixth spot in the Premier League with a European place within their sights.

They have won their last three games but know that Tottenham will not be an easy team to overcome.

Absences

Redknapp is reluctant to start Kanu in the game ahead of Utaka as he is needed for the FA Cup semi-final in two weeks when Defoe will once again be ruled out through being cup-tied.

Redknapp is without the injured Sol Campbell (knee) and suspended midfielders Sulley Muntari and Papa Bouba Diop - Pedro Mendes and Richard Hughes are hoping for replacement roles along with Arnold Mvuemba and Sean Davis.

No worries

Tottenham's form has stumbled of late as they have claimed just a point from their last two games following the thrilling 4-4 draw with Chelsea in midweek.

Spurs will have breathed a sigh of relief that they will not have to face former striker Defoe this weekend following his recent form.

Head coach Juande Ramos has no fresh injury worries in his squad.

Skipper Ledley King could be rested as he comes back gradually from knee surgery but he has recovered from his recent calf problem.

Left-backs Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Gareth Bale (foot) are out for the season.