Pompey v Newcastle Preview - Lua Lua Returns

Lua Lua will be at Fratton Park on Sunday, but sadly it is not the once loved Lomana Tresor Lua Lua who worked so hard for us during our relegation battle period, but his younger brother Kazenga Lua Lua, who plays for Newcastle United. Kazenga will be travelling with Newcastle for the match, live on Sky on Sunday afternoon, as he looks to strengthen Joe Kinnear's midfield problems.

With an unbeaten run of five league games, Pompey will be looking to pick up a win after many dropped points this season has troubled them from challenging for a 4th place spot in the Premier League.

Tony Adams' only injury worry is Lassana Diarra, who will not be risked for the Toon's visit to Fratton Park, although it is thought that Younes Kaboul may also be a doubt after picking up an injury in training. Armand Traore returns from an knock he picked up against Wolfsburg, and Nadir Belhadj looks to regain his place at left-back for the full 90 minutes after being taken off at half-time in Pompey's last two games. Papa Bouba Diop will miss the game through a suspension following his 5th yellow card of the season last week against West Brom.

Fabio Capello is likely to attend the game with his frequent visits to Fortress Fratton with eight English players likely to start on Sunday - David James, Glen Johnson, Sol Campbell, Sean Davis, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch for Portsmouth and Steven Taylor and Michael Owen for Newcastle.

Newcastle are looking to field their strongest side of the season with Nicky Butt and Damien Duff late contenders for the match on Sunday, and if Kinnear goes for Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen upfront, Distin and Campbell may have their hands full.

The Pompey Pages prediction: I think 2-1 to Portsmouth is a fair result, following our recent run of form we need to get ourselves a comfortable three points and I think we can deliver that.

Key Player: Nadir Belhadj, although his form has dropped recently, it has also paid off in our performance when he plays well. Belhadj will need to be getting down the wing and supplying the balls for our attackers when possible.

Newcastle man to watch: Obafemi Martins. Pompey tried to sign him before he went to Newcastle but Harry failed, and he has proven to be a great hit at St James Park and has scored some quality goals, his pace will cause Pompey problems and the Fratton Faithful will be hoping we don't see a Lua Lua-esque celebration from Martins.

Possible Starting XI's:

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little, Davis, Kranjcar, Traore, Defoe, Crouch

Newcastle United: Given, Beye, Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Geremi, N'Zogbia, Martins, Owen

Pompey rumours 09/12/08

Pompey manager Tony Adams is rumoured to be keeping a close eye on Lens attacker Razak Boukari. The Daily Star claims that Boukari could be Adams' first signing as Pompey manager when the transfer window opens in January. (Daily Star)

Everton are rumoured to be interested in fringe striker David Nugent. Although on his trip to Portsmouth Children's Hospital Nugent denied that he or his agent had been approached by anyone from the merseyside club, and he is more focused than ever on pushing for a place in Pompey's first XI. (Various)

Newcastle along with Villareal are interested in making a bid for veteran centre-back Sol Campbell. The Portsmouth captain has been subject to a lot of speculation linking him away from Fratton Park, and as Pompey's highest paid player Adams may look to offload the centre-back as he has a strong replacement in the form of Younes Kaboul. (Various)

After months of speculation of Pompey being up for sale and a South African consortium being interested and making a bid, Sacha Gaydamak has come out publicly to announce that the south coast side are in fact up for sale, but Pompey's official site has denied rumours that the South African business will be buying the club. (Official Portsmouth Site)

A note to Tony about Sean Davis

No matter who Tony Adams signs in January or next summer, no matter where we finish in the table or whether we retain our FA Cup or not, the most crucial thing Adams needs to do to help Pompey's success' is to renew the contract of the outstanding Sean Davis.

Davis has been absolutely superb for Pompey this season, and although he has only managed to reach Pompey's 5th highest appearances so far this season, he has made the most appearances in Pompey's midfield, and as far as I'm concerned has been the best player out there.

I recently praised Nadir Belhadj for his efforts, although he has had a poor run in his last two games, he tries hard and has quality skill.

Sean Davis has these similar qualities, not giving up, working hard, fighting for his place in the team. Not only have his passes, crosses and tackles been solid, the effort he puts in to games is fantastic.

The "hard workers" of Pompey are now a dying breed, but have always been popular amongst the Fratton Faithful. Players such as Benjani, David Nugent, Gary O'Neil and Nadir Belhadj have all been creditted for their hard working attitude and Sean is no different.

I believe his performances this season have by far earnt him a new contract and I hope to see him at Fratton Park next season. In fact I may even go as far as saying I am more excited about the prospect of Davis playing for us in future seasons that any other superstar we may sign.

Play up Sean, Sean Play up!

Only a point managed at the Hawthorns - West Brom 1 Portsmouth 1

Pompey could only salvage a point against West Brom at the Hawthorns, following their UEFA Cup defeat only three days before.

Peter Crouch's second half goal levelled things up for Pompey as they took a disappointing point back to Fratton Park.

Adams' men showed early domination, and the expected long ball up to Peter Crouch wasn't troubling the Baggies defence, but West Brom fought back hard as David James was pulled into action.

It was West Brom who took the lead after referee Mike Dean awarded the Premiership strugglers a very soft penalty against Sol Campbell.

Chris Brunt's thundering free-kick hit the bar before Jonathan Greening buried the rebound past James.

Adams made a half time change in the form of Nadir Belhadj, coming off for the second game running at half-time, for Glen Little.

Pompey started to fight back after Adams' stern half time ticking off, as Johnson's long ball found Jermain Defoe who crossed the ball across the 18-yard box, but couldn't find the approaching Peter Crouch.

Ismael Miller then went close again as James tipped away Miller's low shot before leaping onto the loose ball.

The Blues fought a goal back as Peter Crouch's shot struck Meite and the underside of the crossbar on the way into the net.

Crouch's sixth goal in the league this season gave Pompey the chance to fight back and get a winner, but it was the Baggies who went close to getting the next goal.

Ismael Miller once again parted Sol Campbell and Slyvain Distin before firing it at James who pulled off a great save.

Pompey's midfield were strong in the middle with both Papa Bouba Diop and Sean Davis had good performances holding the ball up, picking out passes, and throwing in the tackles where needed.

Glen Johnson's frequent runs down the right wing were troubling West Brom and the England right-back was put in by Defoe before firing it over from 6 yards out.

Portsmouth had yet another chance to go ahead as Carson fumbled Johnson's cross as it rolled across the line, but neither the linesman or referee seemed to think the whole ball went over the line, replays showed it appeared to be the correct decision. The Baggies cleared the ball before Crouch could get to it.

Although a fair result from the match events, taking only a point against West Brom is disappointed, and if Pompey are to put pressure on Aston Villa and maybe even Arsenal, then they need to stop dropping these points.

Pompey Pages Man of the Match was Sean Davis for the second game running, although Papa Bouba Diop and Glen Johnson were close contenders.

Davis ruled the midfield and gave everything, great passing, chips, crosses, and when he lost the ball he ran around to fight for the ball and the majority of time won the ball. A bit more chasing up could be seen by some of the big names in Pompey's squad, notably Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar.