Mendes to face Villa

Pedro Mendes has another chance to re-establish himself in Portsmouth’s midfield anchor-role with Sean Davis likely to be out again at Aston Villa with a hamstring injury.

Manager Harry Redknapp has put striker Kanu through an intensive training period following his first appearance for three weeks in last Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton but the Nigerian looks set to be only a substitute again.

Defenders Lauren (hamstring), Martin Cranie (broken leg) and Linvoy Primus (knee) are still out.

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