Guimaraes v Pompey preview

Redknapp won't sit back in Uefa Cup tie

Last updated: 2nd October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Guimaraes v Pompey preview

Redknapp: Wants to be positive

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Harry Redknapp is planning a positive approach for Portsmouth's Uefa Cup second leg against Guimaraes.

Goals from Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe earned Pompey a 2-0 win in the club's first European tie a fortnight ago.

But Pompey boss Redknapp is aware his team's group phase spot is not guaranteed and will not simply look to protect the advantage in Portugal.

"We want to come here and score. If we do that then it makes it very difficult for them," said Redknapp.

"We're not going to sit back and invite pressure. We want to cause them problems.

"We've got a two-goal lead from the first leg, but they're a good team and will provide good opposition."

Portsmouth are without John Utaka for the game, with the Nigerian winger having not travelled with the squad due to a hamstring injury.

Utaka's absence could lead to Glen Little starting on the right wing, depending on which formation Redknapp decides to deploy.

If Redknapp goes with a 3-5-2 system, it would allow the fit-again Sean Davis to return to central midfield alongside Diarra and Richard Hughes.

Papa Bouba Diop and Niko Kranjcar are still injured, while Defoe and Peter Crouch will lead the line for Portsmouth.

Guimaraes can welcome back Douglas from suspension for the game, which could see Fajardo, who missed a penalty at Fratton Park, drop to the bench.