Portsmouth v Tottenham

[bandini]

Harry Redknapp believes Portsmouth now have enough about them to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at Bolton against Tottenham to keep the European dream alive.

Redknapp took the Reebok Stadium setback with good grace, knowing his team have made giant strides in the past 12 months.

He said: ``We have had a great run and it has been a great year.

``To be on 35 points going into the new year is beyond our wildest dreams.

``We will keep on going from here and see where we end up.''

Portsmouth started and finished with a bang at the Reebok Stadium with goals from Matt Taylor and Andy Cole.

However Bolton sealed the points with Abdoulaye Faye, Ivan Campo and Nicolas Anelka all finding the target.

It was 35-year-old Cole's first Premiership start for the club - Kanu was rested - and Redknapp applauded the veteran, who had been troubled by an Achilles injury.

``The goal from Cole typified what he's about as a striker,'' said the Portsmouth boss.

``It was his first 90 minutes since probably last January when got injured for Manchester City.

``Seeing him play a full game against Bolton was a bonus for me.''

Kanu will come back into the reckoning against Spurs, according to Redknapp.

He said: ``If Kanu had played in those conditions at Bolton he would not have been fit for three or four days.

``The game took a lot out of the players and getting them ready for Monday is not going to be easy.

``The turnaround is too quick. Hopefully everyone will be fit and I will be able to field my strongest side.''

Goalkeeper David James looks likely to keep his place even though he was responsible for two of the goals at Bolton.

Redknapp said: ``David has been fantastic for me. He's had an incredible season.

``We would not be where we are had it not been for him.

``While they were scrappy goals to concede, the conditions were difficult. The pitch got heavy with the rain.''

Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov was on the bench for the defeat against Liverpool with a fever but is expected to be fit for the Fratton Park clash.

Berbatov's place against Liverpool was taken by Mido, who lasted nearly an hour despite his recent groin problems.

Skipper Ledley King is doubtful after suffering a bruised foot, while Robbie Keane (knee) and Jermaine Jenas (ankle) remain out of contention.

Aaron Lennon has missed the last five games with inflammation to the knee but was close to returning to the squad for the Liverpool game.

source: soccernet.com

[Oliver_Kahn]

Game underway.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Defoe and Berbatov are the strikers

[bandini]

Berbatov got an early header off target. Portsmouth are a good side these days so Spurs will have to play very well especially since it's away.

[Oliver_Kahn]

I hope Dimitar gets lucky again

[Oliver_Kahn]

29min
1-0 to Porthsmouth.

Benjamin with a great strike.

[bandini]

It's been a scrappy game so far, but a good goal separates the two teams. Spurs need to step it up a bit.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Spurs are really missing Lennon.

[Oliver_Kahn]

End of the first-half.

Porthsmouth 1 - 0 Tottenham (Benjamin 29')

[bandini]

They really are. 1 - 0 to Pompey at half time and a very disappointing first half for Tottenham.

[Oliver_Kahn]

2nd half underway.

Danny Murphy in.
Ghali out.

[Oliver_Kahn]

49min
1-1!

Malbranque scores for Tottenham

[bandini]

I have to stop watching here. My feed is about a minute behind I was just going to post about the save James made and then saw that they had scored

Back in the game baby!!

[Oliver_Kahn]

Originally Posted by bandini

I have to stop watching here. My feed is about a minute behind I was just going to post about the save James made and then saw that they had scored

Back in the game baby!!

Sorry man, I'll leave the posting here.

[bandini]

No problem. It made me happy anyway like I could read into the future because I thought I was watching "live".

Spurs are really pressing now and keeping James on his toes. I think that there is another goal left in this game.