Follow every kick as Portsmouth take on West Ham United at Fratton Park in the Premier League
on 26-Jan-2010, kick off time 19:45
Portsmouth v West Ham United Live
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Basement boys Portsmouth get back to the bread and butter of the Premier League on Tuesday evening with a critical home clash against fellow strugglers West Ham United.
Avram Grant and his men should be in high spirits following their fine FA Cup fourth round success against Sunderland on Saturday.
Despite going behind to a Darren Bent strike, Pompey demonstrated their fighting abilities and a brace from Nigeria frontman John Utaka was enough to see the south coast side tee up a tasty looking fifth round meeting with rivals Southampton.
However, this win should breed confidence and a triumph over Gianfranco Zola's beleaguered outfit could put them within touching distance of the teams directly above them.
Grant currently has the luxury of a full-strength squad to choose from, but diminutive Italian Zola has a whole host of injuries to deal with.
Guillermo Franco, Herita Ilunga, Scott Parker, Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer are all suffering with hamstring complaints, although Ilunga, Parker and Gabbidon could make the showdown as they near fitness.
Zavon Hines (knee) is missing and Carlton Cole, who has a knee complaint of his own, could figure after his lay-off.
Long-term absentees Calum Davenport (thigh) and Luis Boa Morte (cruciate ligament) remain sidelined.
Pompey remain five points from safety - and West Ham - and three points at Fratton Park would prove to be a massive boost in their fight against the drop.
On the flip side, a success for the Hammers, who haven't won on their travels since the opening day of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers, would see them move eight points ahead of Tuesday's opponents.
The two sides last met on Boxing Day at Upton Park and it was the hosts on the day who came out on top.
Source: DSG
