Glen Johnson almost sneaks a late winner for Pompey but the visitors settle for a hard-working 0-0 draw at Manchester City, who were fortunate not to have Ben Thatcher sent off for a horror tackle on Pedro Mendes.

Vassell tries to shake off Campbell but Pompey stand their lines.

Kanu flick on almost reaches Todorov but City break and Davis on hand to prevent the danger as James gathers the ball.

Mendes is taken to hospital for treatment on his jaw after Thatcher's horrendous challenge.

The game loses some of its flow as both sides assess how to tackle the closing stages.

Davis is booked for his foul on Dickov.

Taylor's free-kick is headed away by Sinclair and the ball falls to Dickov who is hauled down by Davis.

The City substitute has his first attempt on goal with a thunderous shot which James struggles to gather at the first attempt.

Ishmael Miller comes on for Samaras.

Taylor squanders a golden chance to open the scoring for Pompey but Weaver saves well.

Ireland comes on for Reyna for the home side.

Todorov comes on for Benjani for the visitors.

Johnson sends in a cross and Richards is fortunate not to be penalised for seemingly fisting the ball away inside the penalty area.

Kanu evades the City backline with a bit of magic but Weaver charges off his line to quell the danger.

Weaver recovers from his own fumble to prevent Benjani from opening the scoring.

Pompey lose their composure as City look to take advantage but Mendes's injury has cast a shadow on the game.

Richard Hughes comes on for the injured Mendes who is taken straight down the tunnel for further treatment.

Thatcher is handed a yellow card for his bad challenge on Mendes.

Mendes is in big trouble and is being treated with oxygen.

The game is paused after Thatcher barges Mendes straight into the advertising boards and is worryingly stretchered off.

Sinclair cross is blocked by Sol Campbell.

City launch the first attack of the second half and Barton sends in yet another corner but both Dunne and Micah Richards miss the ball.

James races off his line to gather a Barton corner as Pompey hold on to head in at the interval all square.

Barton sends in a free-kick for Samaras but Primus clears and then Stefanovic blocks Sinclair on the follow-up.

Johnson's wayward pass almost lets in Vassell but Pompey get back and clear the danger.

Trevor Sinclair gets the first caution of the night after a desperate lunge on Taylor.

Taylor's dangerous cross results in open play as O'Neil lurks on the edge of the penalty area.

Gary O'Neil volleys but his right-footed effort misses the target after good work from Kanu.

Stefanovic gives away a needless free-kick but City fail to build and the ball is played all the way back to Nicky Weaver.

Header by Samaras from the left-hand side of the penalty area is off target as City launch their best chance.

Dickov kicks fresh air attempting an overhead kick from Claudio Reyna's lofted cross.

Glen Johnson breaks forward but his cross finds open play and City clear their lines.

Dunne has a speculative crack on James's goal with a long-range effort but his shot goes over the upright.

Barton tries his luck again from distance but former City keeper David James gathers his right-footed shot safely.

Matthew Taylor tries to send Benjani Mwaruwari free but his attempted pass goes out of touch.

Sean Davis gets some treatment - much to City's annoyance - after a tangle with Ben Thatcher, as both sides grab a breather.

City have their second corner of the night but Sylvain Distin fails to direct his header on target.

City showing plenty of purpose and ambition but lacking the craft to unlock Pompey.

Dickov gets the better of Sol Campbell but his cross only finds open play.

City respond immediately and Barton unleashes a venomous right-footed shot that just misses the target.

Kanu sets up Benjani Mwaruwari for Pompey's first telling attack but the move eventually breaks down.

Richard Dunne gets to a Barton corner but his header is sent over the crossbar.

City start strongly looking to take an early lead with Darius Vassell and Paul Dickov lively up front.

Joey Barton's free-kick is sent into the penalty area but Miguel Pedro Mendes clears the ball to safety.

City launch the first attack but Trevor Sinclair's cross sails over the upright.

The sides prepare to kick off on a wet night in Manchester but with an expectant atmosphere at Eastlands for the visit of Harry Redknapp's Pompey.