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Pompey v Cardiff preview

John Utaka is back in training for Pompey after his hamstring injury and is in contention for a starting place against Cardiff at Fratton Park.

David Nugent is battling to be fit for the meeting with the Bluebirds after turning his ankle as he scored the opener against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

It could be a straight swap if Nugent fails to recover or Utaka could occupy a wide position if both men are available.

Hayden Mullins is still feeling a knee problem, but should be fine.

Pompey boss Steve Cotterill said: 'It's going to be a tough game, but being at home is massive for us.

'This place will be deafening tomorrow and that is going to carry us.

'I think Cardiff have been one of the better teams and have really pushed the boat out financially.

'They have had a good go at it for a few years now.

'This year with that sort of firepower I'm struggling to find it possible to name a stronger side.

'They have Olofinjana and Koumas. Then you add the likes of Bothroyd, Chopra, Whittingham and Hudson – and then put Bellamy on top of it.

'And then they've got Keogh as well, I suppose they needed him!'

Join Steve Wilson for live text updates from Fratton Park of Pompey v Carfiff

Andy Keogh is set to be granted an instant debut after joining on loan from Wolves.

The striker is likely to partner Jay Bothroyd in attack with Michael Chopra (ankle ligaments) out.

That will mean Craig Bellamy operating wide on the right.

Elsewhere, Stephen McPhail is still sidelined after a cartilage operation, while Gavin Rae and Ross McCormack are unavailable as they talk with Leeds over a move. Meanwhile, Lee Naylor will replace Adam Matthews at left-back.

Cardiff defender Lee Naylor said: 'We are a new team, with lots of new players coming in and we are still fitting together.

'It's going to take a few games before everyone knows each other properly.

'But hopefully it will happen sooner rather than later.

'We lost to Peterborough in the week in the Carling Cup. We didn't come out of the blocks in the second half and it was our downfall.

'If you are complacent you can get punished.

'In defence we do not want to give away any goals.

'We want to win every game and the boys are trying very hard to keep it tight.

'We need to defend better, we know that, and that must start against Portsmouth tomorrow.'


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Weather for Portsmouth

Saturday 26 May 2012

5 day forecast

Today

Sunny

Sunny

Temperature: 14 C to 24 C

Wind Speed: 24 mph

Wind direction: East

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