Middlesbrough and Portsmouth go head-to-head at Fratton Park with both sides desperate for all three points.
Pompey hope to end five-game goal drought at Fratton Park
Middlesbrough and Portsmouth go head-to-head at Fratton Park on Saturday with both sides desperate for all three points.
Portsmouth became the first side to prevent Arsenal from scoring this season in the goalless draw on Boxing Day, but Harry Redknapp's side have now gone five Premier League games without scoring at home.
Meanwhile, under-fire Boro boss Gareth Southgate will be keen for a victory to ease the increasing uncertainty regarding his future at the club as he bids to avoid a relegation battle.
Pompey last scored a league goal at Fratton Park in the thrilling 7-4 victory over Reading on 29th September and what Redknapp would do for a repeat performance.
Struggle
Redknapp has seen his side struggle over recent weeks after a home defeat to Tottenham was followed by a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Liverpool.
However, Pompey secured a battling point to prevent Arsenal from returning to the top of the table and Redknapp will hope this signals a change of fortunes.
Redknapp is expected to stick with the experienced back four that performed so admirably against the Gunners which will see Lauren keep his place alongside Sol Campbell, Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson.
Richard Hughes will also count himself unfortunate if he misses out on a starting place after an impressive Boxing Day performance, while Pedro Mendes has returned to fitness.
Impressive
Redknapp may also opt to return to a 4-3-3 formation, after swapping to one up front against the Gunners, which could see a recall for John Utaka who dropped to the bench last time out.
Boro travel to the South Coast with concerns over David Wheater who has impressed over recent weeks, but the centre-back is struggling with an illness.
Wheater was replaced with Robert Huth at half-time in the 3-0 defeat to Birmingham on Boxing Day and Southgate will hope the dependable defender recovers full match fitness.
Captain George Boateng is suspended and former Pompey midfielder Gary O'Neil remains a doubt with a hamstring injury, while Andrew Taylor (foot), Chris Riggott (calf) and Mido (groin) are still out.