Portsmouth v Arsenal - Follow LIVE text commentary

Portsmouth v Arsenal Follow every kick as Portsmouth take on Arsenal at Fratton Park in the Premier League on 30-Dec-2009, kick off time 19:45 Portsmouth v Arsenal Live Match Preview Arsenal travel to the south coast as they look forward to a Premier League clash with Portsmouth on Wednesday evening.  With the Gunners chasing Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table, they must grab another three points against Avram Grant's relegation threatened Pompey.  Arsene Wenger will know his youthful side must show some respect to their battling visitors as any underestimation could prove fatal as they look to keep the pressure on the big two.  The Gunners are in fine form following their 3-0 setback against Chelsea at the end of November.  Their 3-0 victory over an in-form Aston Villa on Sunday to move within four points of leaders Chelsea certainly highlighted that.  Arsenal will be without Tomas Rosicky (groin), Kieran Gibbs (fracture metatarsal), Robin van Persie (ankle), Gael Clichy (back), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Johan Djourou (knee).  Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas will not play after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring problem while scoring his and his side's second goal against Villa.  The talismanic skipper had started the game on the bench with a question mark hanging over his fitness and Wenger's successful gamble partly backfired.  Portsmouth have turned in some positive performances since Grant was installed as manager after Paul Hart's dismissal.  Despite losing 2-1 at Chelsea on December 16, the side showed fighting qualities that had been lacking earlier in the season.  The fine 2-0 home success over Liverpool, with fantastic strikes from Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piquionne, has given the side real hope that they can avoid the drop this term.  With only David James causing Grant an injury headache, Pompey should be at full strength for the tough test with Wenger's classy outfit. 

Source: DSG