Pompey duo unlikely to make trip to Newcastle

Midfielder Sulley Muntari and left-back Hermann Hreidarsson look certain to miss out again through injury when Portsmouth travel to Newcastle.

It could mean another chance for Pedro Mendes and a recall for Matt Taylor while Muntari – just one booking away from a ban – rests a hamstring problem and Hreidarsson faces more treatment on a torn groin muscle.

Papa Bouba Diop is clear to play despite a fifth yellow card of the season against Blackburn in midweek. His ban kicks in against Manchester City next Sunday when fellow midfielder Richard Hughes is available after a three-match suspension.

Striker Kanu is recovering gradually from a knee injury suffered five weeks ago and league top-scorer Benjani looks set to lead the attack once more.

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