Pompey hopeful of Defoe recovery

Portsmouth are banking on forward Jermain Defoe recovering from a virus in time to start against Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow.

If the England striker is fit, boss Harry Redknapp is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, but could revert to a five-man midfield if he fails to make it.

Niko Kranjcar could be out until Christmas after an ankle operation while new winger Jerome Thomas (back) is a doubt and Glen Little (thigh), Kanu (ankle) and David Nugent (groin) are still not ready.

Sean Davis looks set to keep his place and Hermann Hreidarsson could return after being dropped for the defeat by Manchester United on Monday.

Team (from): James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Kaboul, Diop, Diarra, Davis, A Traore, Defoe, Crouch, Utaka, Pamarot, Mvuemba, Sahar, Thomas, Lauren, Hughes, Cranie, Ashdown.