Hreidarsson set for Pompey return

Hermann Hreidarsson is hopeful of returning to Portsmouth’s defence for the home clash with Manchester City but midfielder Papa Bouba Diop serves a one-match ban for five yellow cards.

Iceland international Hreidarsson has been out for the last two matches with a groin muscle tear but now manager Harry Redknapp must decide whether to recall him in favour of Frenchman Noe Pamarot whose spectacular goal sparked last week’s 4-1 win at Newcastle. Pedro Mendes is the natural replacement for Diop.

Record signing Sulley Muntari came through 87 minutes at St James Park despite doubts over a hamstring problem and should keep his place while top-scorer Benjani Mwaruwari has been told he must keep delivering the goods with co-striker Kanu almost back to full fitness after a knee injury.

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