The Hammers are in a very similar position to ourselves, with a great former player in charge of their club as a rookie manager and the club itself with questionable finances and an owner looking to sell.
The only difference is that Gianfranco Zola's side are showing signs of improvement whilst we have been far from convincing virtually all season. That said, West ham are only a point outside the relegation zone and are desperate for victory themselves having only won once in twelve league games.
Tony Adams can call upon Younes Kaboul and John Utaka after both players returned to training although Glen Johnson has suffered a setback and is still on the sidelines. Nadir Belhadj is also back in contention after recovering from a toe injury.
Zola has been pretty consistent in his team selection and should select a team that most Pompey fans will recognise although there are rumours that Craig Bellamy may not feature as a certain manager is looking to sign him for a certain North London team... I still expect him to play and give our creaky defence problems though.
The stage is set for this massive encounter and whoever loses this game will have an extremely tense and worrying festive period ahead. The omens do favour the home side as Pompey have never lost a Premier League fixture on Boxing Day and are also undefeated against West Ham since promotion.
Three points and a convincing performance would be the best Christmas present many Pompey fans will receive this festive season but will Tony Adams and co. deliver?
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Pompey
GK: David JAMES
RB: Noe PAMAROT
CB: Sol CAMPBELL
CB: Sylvain DISTIN
LB: Nadir BELHADJ
RM: Glen LITTLE
CM: Papa BOUBA DIOP
CM: Sean DAVIS
LM: Niko KRANJCAR
CF: Jermain DEFOE
CF: Peter CROUCH
West Ham
GK: Robert GREEN
RB: Lucas NEILL
CB: Matthew UPSON
CB: Calum DAVENPORT
LB: Herita ILUNGA
RM: Valon BEHRAMI
CM: Scott PARKER
CM: Mark NOBLE
LM: Julien FAUBERT
CF: Craig BELLAMY
CF: Carlton COLE
Last Time: Pompey 0 West Ham United 0
Nobby Solano missed two great chances for the visitors but Pompey would have stolen all three points if it wasn't for Robert Green saving Benjani's poor stoppage time spot kick.
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Home Win (2-1)
Sky Sports: Home Win (2-1)
My Prediction: Two sides in poor form, but West Ham have been good on the road having claimed draws at Stamford Bridge and Anfield. I really worry about this one because of our defence but I can't see us losing...
Pompey 1 West Ham United 1