Liverpool FC

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Preview: Liverpool v Portsmouth

11 Mar 2010 - 11:49:49

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Champions League chasing Liverpool will have no excuses if they slip up at home to rock-bottom Portsmouth on Monday night.

Rafael Benitez's lacklustre Reds fell to a shocking 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last Monday as their continental aspirations took another body blow.

They have failed to shrug off the challenge of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, who look more than a good bet to replace them as one of the big-four this term.

Liverpool's over-reliance to utilise perennial match-winners Fernando Torres and skipper Steven Gerrard is likely to continue at Anfield against Avram Grant's beleaguered side.

The Merseysiders have now collected just four points from the last possible 12 and a win is vital if they are to keep in touch with their rivals who are beginning to gather some momentum.

Portsmouth, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Birmingham City on Tuesday evening, are all but set for a return to the Championship next season.

They are five points adrift of pulling themselves out of the relegation zone but with a possible nine-point deduction set to further hinder their progress, they look down and out.

Grant has guided his men to a FA Cup semi-final appearance this term, where they will face either Fulham or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, but in the Premier League, where it really matters, they have failed.

Former Pompey man Glen Johnson, who made a brief return against Wigan last week from his knee injury, could make a full return to action.

Daniel Agger (knee) is a doubt with fellow defenders Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Skrtel (ankle) missing out.

For the visitors, trio Aaron Mokoena (knee), Anthony Vanden Borre (hamstring) and Tommy Smith (groin) could make a welcome return.

Kevin Boateng (ankle) is definitely out and may not make a comeback until May.

Last season it was talisman man Gerrard who fired home a late winner in a 1-0 win and the hosts would settle for more of the same this time around.