Follow every kick as Tottenham Hotspur take on Portsmouth at Wembley in the FA Cup Semi-Final
on 11-Apr-2010, kick off time 16:00
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Tottenham skipper Ledley King has an outside chance of being fit for the FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth following a thigh injury.
His availability would be a huge boost to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp as Vedran Corluka (ankle) and Michael Dawson (Achilles) need late checks along with Tom Huddlestone (ankle).
Aaron Lennon (groin) and Jermain Jenas (groin) are out and Kyle Walker and Younes Kaboul are cup-tied. Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini are long-term absentees.
Redknapp admits facing his former club Pompey was the draw he was dreading.
Redknapp has fond memories of his time at Fratton Park which included a cup triumph at Wembley before being tempted by White Hart Lane last season.
"I was pleased that Portsmouth got through but I really didn't want to draw them," Redknapp said.
"If I am honest I was hoping to draw Aston Villa but you cannot choose who you play.
"You expect the majority of people to be behind Portsmouth - except Southampton fans."
Redknapp won silverware with Pompey two years ago but he ranks keeping them in the Premier League, after returning there in the 2005/06 season, as his greatest triumph.
He said: "Going to Wigan and winning was a special day, when we were 10 or 11 points adrift with 10 games to go and went on that fantastic run.
"When I went back there really I would not be sitting here now if it had gone wrong. I took a massive gamble. It was the worst team I had ever seen in my life and we were so far adrift. Suddenly it was win, win, win."
Dawson, meanwhile, has revealed he is yet to book his summer holidays while silverware and the World Cup are on the horizon.
Dawson is also chasing a Champions League place with Spurs and is hoping his form will lead to an England call-up.
It means the uncapped 26-year-old centre-back is not thinking of the beach just yet.
"I've not booked my hols yet," he said. "My wife keeps nagging me where we're going. I might not have decided yet. Even if I don't get selected for the World Cup, I'd be watching every England game anyway.
"It's a dream to play for England, I was a sub a few times but never got on the pitch. Winning an FA Cup, finishing fourth and going with England would be everything.
"People say what do I have to do - I say if I keep playing well I will have a chance."
Portsmouth will have Aruna Dindane available before the Ivory Coast striker triggers an appearance clause in his loan agreement from Lens.
However, defender Anthony Vanden Borre is suspended and midfielder Jamie O'Hara is ineligible under the terms of his loan from parent club Spurs.
England goalkeeper David James has recovered from a calf problem, while Hassan Yebda (knee), Kevin Prince Boateng (ankle), Nadir Belhadj (thigh), Papa Bouba Diop (knee) and Tommy Smith (broken nose) are all pushing to be in contention at Wembley.
Hermann Hreidarsson (Achilles) and Danny Webber (knee) are both long-term absentees.
Avram Grant feels the FA Cup has provided a welcome "easy" distraction for Portsmouth in a troubled campaign, but is expecting a tough ride against Tottenham.
Pompey have endured a season to forget as they lurched from one financial crisis to another, which eventually resulted in administration and the docking of nine points by the Premier League to all but seal their relegation.
The FA Cup, though, has sprinkled its own special magic on the beleaguered Fratton Park outfit.
"I am disappointed about many things this season, but which have happened off the pitch," said Grant.
"It has, though, been easy for us to concentrate in the cup because we knew nobody could take points from us - although when we came through the quarter-final, they tried.
"To be in the last four with such good clubs in this season is a big achievement, but we also want to do well.
"I agree it is a big achievement to be in last four, but it would be bigger if we can get to the final."
Grant maintained: "The players need to understand on the big occasions, they need to perform.
"It will be an event for us, but if want to be in the final, we will have to beat a very good team.
"It is not easy to play against Tottenham, but we want to make sure it will not be easy to play against us, like it has been in the last few league games."
Source: DSG
