Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth - Follow LIVE text commentary

27 March 2010 15:00
Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth

Follow every kick as Tottenham Hotspur take on Portsmouth at White Hart Lane in the Premier League
on 27-Mar-2010, kick off time 15:00

Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth Live


Tottenham Hotspur take on Portsmouth at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon and a win for the hosts would consolidate their position in fourth place in the Premier League table. Harry Redknapp's men have been in fine form of late and secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win against Fulham on Wednesday evening. The game will be a dress rehearsal of the last-four showdown at Wembley and the showpiece game will act as a highlight in an otherwise season to forget for Pompey. Avram Grant's beleaguered outfit sit 14 points from safety following their nine-point deduction for entering administration has finally kicked in. To make matters worse, they suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss at home to title-chasers Chelsea in midweek to add further misery to their current plight. They have all gave up hope of survival and they are set for a return to the Championship at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Spurs are flying-high at the right end of the table. Under Redknapp, who guided Pompey to FA Cup glory at the end of the 2007-08 season, Spurs are causing Liverpool and Manchester City great concern as they chase the fourth spot that would clinch Champions League qualification next term. Four successive league victories has aided their challenge and they must be confident of making that five on the spin ahead of their weekend fixture. Earlier in the season, Spurs secured a narrow 2-1 win at Fratton Park, with Pompey old boy and England sharp-shooter Jermain Defoe's goal proving to be the winner. Ledley King opened the scoring for the visitors before Defoe doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. Former Spurs midfielder Kevin Boateng grabbed what proved to be a consolation in the clash back in October. Michael Brown is just one of a number of players who could their former clubs in the weekend clash. Ricardo Rocha, another who has featured for Spurs, will miss out after picking up a facial injury in the defeat against Chelsea in midweek. Younes Kaboul, Niko Kranjcar and Peter Crouch could take part for the hosts, after lining up for Pompey in recent times. Jamie O'Hara, who is on loan at Fratton Park from Spurs, is ruled out of the clash as well as the FA Cup semi-final showdown. Redknapp must select his side without Vedran Corluka (ankle), Aaron Lennon (pelvis), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrist). Jermaine Jenas (groin), Defoe (hamstring) and King (thigh) could make a return. Grant is without the services Hassan Yebda (knee), Tommy Smith (broken nose) and Boateng (ankle) for their trip to the capital. Anthony Vanden Borre (hamstring) and John Utaka (groin) are rated as doubts and the weekend may come too soon for the duo.

Source: DSG