Berkovic lines up for Portsmouth

Eyal Berkovic lined up for Portsmouth against Manchester City today just two days after his £500,000 (€721,000) switch from Maine Road.

The Israeli midfielder started for relegation-threatened Pompey along with goalkeeeper Shaka Hislop, back in place of Pavel Srnicek after two months out with a groin injury.

Struggling City, bidding to end their 13-game winless run, had Antoine Sibierski in the first 11 ahead of Steve McManaman, who has been hampered by a hamstring problem.

Portsmouth:

Hislop, Primus, Stefanovic, Pasanen, De Zeeuw, Hughes, Berkovic, Smertin, Berger, Sheringham, Yakubu. Subs: Wapenaar, Taylor, Schemmel, Harper, Roberts.

Man City:

Seaman, Sommeil, Dunne, Distin, Tarnat, Sinclair, Barton, Bosvelt, Sibierski, Fowler, Anelka. Subs: Stuhr-Ellegaard, Wiekens, Macken, McManaman, Tiatto.

Referee: M Messias (N Yorkshire)