Johnson in line for Pompey start

Glen Johnson, on loan at Fratton Park last season, is set to play right back for Portsmouth at Arsenal on Sunday after signing for Harry Redknapp’s team in a £4m move from Chelsea.

It will mean Lauren switching to the right of midfield against his former club in place of Gary O’Neil who is joining Middlesbrough in a £5 million move.

Redknapp did not appear at a routine press briefing and is thought to be planning a late swoop before the transfer deadline.

But he has Pedro Mendes and Nico Kranjcar fit again – although there is a slight doubt over skipper Sol Campbell, another ex-Arsenal star who dropped out of training today to work with the club’s physio.

Team from: James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Traore, Lauren, Muntari, Davis, Pedro Mendes, Benjani, Taylor, Kranjcar, Hughes, Kanu, Nugent, Ashdown.