Portsmouth v Hull City Preview

Adams: Tigers challenge

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Portsmouth 2 Hull 1
Sky Bet odds: Portsmouth 4/5 Draw 5/2 Hull 7/2
One to Watch: Geovanni
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Tony Adams bids to notch his second win as Portsmouth manager against Hull City at Fratton Park.

Just three-points separate the two sides, who meet for the first time in 17 years on Saturday.

Pompey have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, with just three league wins out of a possible six at home.

Adams' side come up against a newly promoted outfit for the second time this term after beating Stoke 2-1 at Fratton Park earlier in the season.

City boss Phil Brown will be looking to put an end to a recent dry patch for the Tigers, who started the season in outstanding form.

After their impressive run of four consecutive wins over the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and West Brom, the East Yorkshire club have picked up just one point out of a possible 12.

Their away form, however, is superior to that of their rivals, with four wins on the road to Pompey's three at home.

A win on Saturday could see City move back into a UEFA Champions League spot.

Defoe concern

Portsmouth Captain Sol Campbell (toe) is sidelined once again for Saturday's encounter whilst Jermain Defoe is a concern after picking up a calf injury on international duty.

Adams will also be without midfield duo Lassana Diarra and Niko Kranjcar, who are both suffering with ankle problems.

Daniel Cousin (knee) looks doubtful for City, who could opt for Caleb Folan or Dean Windass up front.

A 22-man party will convene in London on Friday, after which Brown will assess the condition of the 10 Tigers players on international duty in midweek and select his matchday squad.

Possible starting XIs

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Kaboul, Distin, Pamarot, Utaka, Diop, Davis, Belhadj, Defoe, Crouch.

Hull City: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, McShane, Geovanni, Ashbee, Boateng, Marney, King, Folan.