Redknapp forced into changes

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was forced into two changes as his side looked to register their first away win of the Barclays Premiership season at Aston Villa.

Patrik Berger and Diomansy Kamara were ruled out of the team which had defeated Manchester United 2-0 with groin and knee problems respectively.

In their place came Ricardo Fuller and Valery Mezague with Redknapp set to adopt a 4-4-2 system after playing three up front against United at Fratton Park.

Villa manager David O’Leary opted to make one alteration to the line-up which had forced a 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

O’Leary brought in England Under-21 international Peter Whittingham in a left-sided midfield role in place of Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Villa, unbeaten at home this season, had not tasted defeat against Pompey on their own ground since they were beaten 5-3 in the old Second Division during the 1969-70 season.

Aston Villa: Sorensen, De la Cruz, Mellberg, Delaney, Samuel, Solano, McCann, Hendrie, Whittingham, Cole, Angel.

Subs: Hitzlsperger, Postma, Ridgewell, Luke Moore, Davis.

Portsmouth: Hislop, Primus, De Zeeuw, Stefanovic, Unsworth, LuaLua, Faye, Mezague, Quashie, Yakubu, Fuller.

Subs: Ashdown, Griffin, Taylor, Cisse, Hughes.

Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire)