Pompey look to extend winning run against Blackburn

Portsmouth v Blackburn

High-riding Premier League clubs Portsmouth and Blackburn both fielded strong sides for their Carling Cup clash at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth, with six wins in their last unbeaten eight matches, are the only English side to have won at Blackburn this season and included goalkeeper David James in a team captained by recalled England defender Sol Campbell and showing only two changes from Saturday’s goalless draw with West Ham.

Blackburn were without the injured Robbie Savage but gave a first appearance of the season after injury to Bruno Berner.

Regular full-back Brett Emerton was on the substitutes bench while Zurab Khizanishvili replaced Andre Ooijer in the centre of defence, where Ryan Nelsen made his comeback as captain.