Defensive changes for Pompey

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will be forced to reshuffle his back four for the Barclays Premiership match at home to Manchester City, with right-back Glen Johnson the leading candidate to replace injured Linvoy Primus (thigh) at centre-half.

With Djimi Traore (ankle) and Noe Pamarot (groin) doubtful and skipper Dejan Stefanovic still out, Matt Taylor is set to return to left-back, enabling Sean Davis and Niko Kranjcar to battle for midfield places.

Pompey’s David James and Andrew Cole are set to face their old club and midfielder Gary O’Neil is back after a calf injury – winger Roudolphe Douala may have to give way.

Provisional squad: James; Lauren, Johnson, Campbell, Taylor, O’Neil, Mendes, Davis, Kranjcar, Kanu, Cole, Benjani, LuaLua, Hughes, Douala, Pamarot, Traore, Mvuemba, Ashdown.