Portsmouth have never beaten Arsenal in the Premiership; however this will not prevent Paul Hart from wishing to capitalise on their current run of form and claim the 3 points to make top flight football next season even more secure. Although the influential Kranjcar is out for the rest of the season with a bad ankle, Kaboul is just returning to fitness and is a strong candidate to start for Portsmouth. Formal Arsenal player Pennant is also likely to play. Looking at the names on Arsenal’s squad list, Hart will however be hoping that Arsenal will be resting some of their top names ready for Tuesday’s big European match.
However Andrey Arshavin, who is cup-tied and ineligible for the Champions’ League semi final, will almost certainly start and after scoring 4 times against Liverpool 2 weeks ago his ability can not be under rated. By winning 3 points at Fratton Park Wenger’s men well guarantee a fourth place finish so Wenger will be looking to win this match convincingly.
Groin strain is however sweeping through the Emirates and Arsenal will be without leading scorer Robin van Persie, striker Eduardo and defender Mikael Silvestre for the match.