Both teams recorded convincing wins in the Carling Cup games but they are now fully focused on the Premiership as they are eager to make amends for the poor start of the league campaign. Portsmouth desperately need three points having lost all six games so far, whereas Everton are aiming to continue the winning run and start climbing the table.

The derby win over Birmingham could be just what Aston Villa needed to kick-start their season and they are now aiming to extend the winning run. Portsmouth remained at rock bottom after the fifth successive defeat and things are definitely looking bleak for Pompey.

These are the only two teams that are yet to win any points in the Premiership this season and this will be an opportunity for both of them to put the first points on the board. Portsmouth have signed a lot of new players in the last few days of the transfer window but we are yet to see if they can bring instant improvement to Paul Hart’s side.

Portsmouth are yet to win their first points in the Premier League and they now seem as one of the main candidates for the drop. Pompey face another difficult task as they host in-form Manchester City, who are looking to extend the winning run.

After the 6:1 win over Everton, Arsenal continued the trend by beating Celtic away 2:0 in the Champions League final qualifying round. They are obviously hot favourites against Portsmouth, who seem to be weaker than ever.

Birmingham played a good game at Old Trafford having showed a lot of potential despite the defeat. The good performance against Premiership champions was a good confidence boost and they will now try to put the first points on the board at their St Andrew’s. Portsmouth lost at home to Fulham and thus showed they could have big problems this season.

Portsmouth are surrounded by uncertainty following the prolonged takeover of the club and the players will have problems focusing on the pitch. Fulham want to repeat what was the most successful season in club’s history and they will try to take advantage of opponent’s problems and win the game.

These teams will finish the season in the bottom part of the table but at least they will not have to worry about survival. Wigan will try to end the season with a win and thus end the poor run of results, while Portsmouth would probably be happy just to avoid defeat.

Both teams are very much in the relegation fight and this is why this match will be of great importance for both sides. Hull lost the last two league games and they have to go for all three points, while Pompey beat Everton and thus increased their chances of staying up.

Portsmouth missed the great chance to ease off their relegation fears as they conceded an injury time goal and had to settle for a draw at the Riverside. Everton easily beat Stoke at home and they have now joined the race for the Champions League place.