Boss Roy Hodgson could give debuts to new loan signings Nickey Shorey and Stefano Okaka as Fulham look to heap more misery on struggling Portsmouth who are six points adrift at the bottom of the table. Paul Konchesky and Andy Johnson are expected to be missing again for the home side while Pompey could give a full debut to striker Quincy Owusu-Abeyie as they bid for only their second away win of the season.

Quick Check

Fulham

  • New loan signings Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka are in line to make their debuts.
  • Fulham are unbeaten against Portsmouth in their last four meetings, winning three of them.
  • Bobby Zamora scored the only goal when the two sides met at Fratton Park in August.
  • Eric Nevland scored twice in the corresponding fixture last season.
  • Fulham’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday ended their 11-match unbeaten run at home.
  • Left back Paul Konchesky is still struggling with an ankle injury.
  • Striker Andy Johnson faces a battle to overcome a knee problem.
  • Defender John Pantsil is still out with a long-term knee injury.
  • Midfielder Clint Dempsey could miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.
  • Fulham have lost their last five games.

Portsmouth

  • Avram Grant could give a full debut to new loan signing Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
  • David James will continue in goal following the sale of Asmir Begovic to Stoke.
  • Midfielders Michael Brown and Papa Bouba Diop are struggling to overcome back and hamstring problems.
  • Belhadj, Yebda and Kanu are all unlikely to figure despite the end of the African Cup of Nations.
  • Grant’s team has won only once away from home this season.
  • Pompey have won only one of their last seven league fixtures.
  • Portsmouth have won just once at Craven Cottage in their last seven visits.

Expert Advice

Fulham surrendered their ten-match unbeaten record at Craven Cottage to Aston Villa at the weekend and they will be keen to get back on the winning trail as soon as possible. Prior to that, the Cottagers had been hugely impressive on home turf and the addition of some new players on transfer deadline will strengthen their cause for a seventh home win of the campaign in the league. With all the troubles that Portsmouth have had on and off the pitch, it’s difficult to see the visitors winning. The south-coast club are beset by problems and the sale of defender Younes Kaboul at the weekend could be another nail in the Fratton Park coffin. Avram Grant’s team have mustered just one win away from home all season and the African Cup of Nations players are unlikely to figure again. With this in mind, Betsson’s price of 3.55 for a home win by one goal appears a value bet.

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