Arsenal vs Pompey Preview

Last updated : 01 September 2007 By Jim Bonner
Now that all the transfers are done, Portsmouth can finally focus on the task of picking up Premier League points as the tough start to the season continues at Arsenal.

The Gunners have had a good start to the season and will look to continue that by getting their first win against us at the Emirates Stadium, but they have some injury worries ahead of the game.

Jens Lehmann, Bacari Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue, Alexander Hleb and William Gallas all look set to miss the game, meaning that we should take advantage of what would be a makeshift Arsenal defence tomorrow.

Glen Johnson and Papa Bouba Diop could go straight into the side, meaning ex-Arsenal right back Lauren could play right midfield now that Gary O'Neil is gone. Sol Campbell is a minor doubt whilst Kanu should start up front with John Utaka.

If we play as well as we did at Stamford Bridge last week, it's quite possible we can get a draw or maybe even snatch all three points. But when the opposition have got the likes of Rosicky, Fabregas, Adebayor and Van Persie in their side, it could be one of those "backs to the wall" jobs.

Hopefully we will finally be able to get a victory over Arsenal in the Premier League!

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Arsenal

GK: Manuel ALMUNIA

RB: Justin HOYTE
CB: Phillipe SENDEROS
CB: Kolo TOURE
LB: Gael CLICHY

RM: Mathieu FLAMINI
CM: Gilberto SILVA
CM: Cesc FABREGAS
LM: Tomas ROSICKY

CF: Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
CF: Robin VAN PERSIE

Bench: Luckaz FABIANSKI, Abou DIABY, DENILSON, Theo WALCOTT, Da Silva EDUARDO

Pompey

GK: David JAMES

RB: Glen JOHNSON
CB: Sol CAMPBELL
CB: Sylvain DISTIN
LB: Hermann HREIDARSSON

RM: LAUREN
CM: Papa Bouba DIOP
CM: Sulley MUNTARI
LM: Matthew TAYLOR

CF: John UTAKA
CF: KANU

Bench: Jamie ASHDOWN, Noe PAMAROT, Pedro MENDES, BENJANI, David NUGENT

Last Time: Arsenal 2 Pompey 2

A pulsating first half ended when Matt Taylor's free kick was eventually nodded in by Noe Pamarot to give Pompey a shock lead at the break. Taylor himself would then score one of his traditional goals to stun the home crowd and send the away fans into raptures.

On came Emmanuel Adebayor and before you know it we were hanging on as the Gunners pulled the game back to 2-2 with him scoring along with Gilberto. Pompey did manage to survive the rest of the game and went home with a point.

Pundit Watch

Lawro: Home Win (2-0)
Sky Sports: Home Win (2-1)
Soccernet: Home Win
Footy-Mad: Home Win
Matt Le Tissier: Draw

My Prediction: Draw (2-2)