Everton v Pompey preview

Pompey wait on Defoe, Toffees new boys could make debuts

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Yakubu

Yakubu: Up against his old side

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 1-0

SKY BET odds: Everton 11/10, Draw 21/10, Portsmouth 11/4

One to Watch: Yakubu Aiyegbeni

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Everton welcome Portsmouth to Goodison Park aiming to pile the misery on Harry Redknapp's men.

Pompey have had a tough start to the season, losing their opening two games to Chelsea and Manchester United and they will be keen to avoid a third successive defeat.

Everton go into the game buoyed by last weekend's victory over West Brom and they will be looking to secure their first victory at home this term after losing their opening-day clash to Blackburn.

Portsmouth make the trip to Goodison Park without key midfielder Niko Kranjcar who has been ruled out for three months with an ankle problem.

Redknapp also has doubts over Jermain Defoe and Jerome Thomas before finalising his side.

Defoe is struggling with a virus, while winger Thomas is doubtful with a back injury.

Glen Little (thigh), Kanu (ankle) and David Nugent (groin) are all still not available.

Sean Davis looks set to keep his place in midfield after impressing against Manchester United and Hermann Hreidarsson is pushing for a return after being dropped for the defeat to United on Monday.

Everton news

Everton boss David Moyes still has to deal with a long casualty list at Goodison Park.

Tim Cahill is still recovering from his foot problem, while Steven Pienaar, Tony Hibbert and Andy van der Meyde remain on the sidelines.

Moyes is hoping to get clearance in time to play new signings Lars Jacobsen and Segundo Castillo after they joined the club earlier this week.

Louis Saha is unlikely to complete his move from Manchester United in time to make the squad for the visit of Pompey.

Young duo Jose Baxter and Jack Rodwell could keep their places in the side after impressing last weekend against West Brom.

James Vaughan is pushing for a spot in the starting line-up after an impressive showing off the bench at the Hawthorns.

Everton will look to former Portsmouth star Yakubu Aiyegbeni to inspire them to victory with the Nigerian having scored two goals in his first two games this season.

Possible starting XIs

Everton: Howard, Neville ,Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Jagielka, Arteta, Rodwell, Osman, Baxter, Yakubu

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Kaboul, Distin, Traore, Diop, Diarra, Davis, Utaka, Crouch