Pompey v Gills Team News

By Matt Lond & J Bateman
February 21 2003

Weekend team news between Pompey and Gillingham at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth v Gillingham at Fratton Park ko - 15-00

Pompey News

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has a slight injury concern over striker Svetoslav Todorov for the game with Gillingham at Fratton Park ,as the Bulgarian has been receiving treatment on the ankle he injured against Leicester on Monday night, but should be fit to face the Gills. 

Arjan De Zeeuw came through the Leicester game unscathed after recovering from a knee injury, while fellow defender Gianluca Festa looks set to take his place on the bench again. 

Former England winger Steve Stone is still a couple of weeks away from pushing for a first-team place, he has been sidelined with the hamstring he tore against Brighton a month ago, but he is recovering well and should return to light training next week.

Gills News

Gillingham player-boss Andy Hessenthaler could be boosted by the return of Mark Saunders for the sell-out with the league leaders. 

The midfielder was expected to miss out with a hamstring injury, but he has been training with the squad this week. 

Paul Shaw was taken off as a precaution against Grimsby to protect his troublesome knee but should be fit, while Hessenthaler, who also came off in the 3-0 win against the Mariners, should have no problem with a slight calf strain. 

Simon Osborn is another week from returning to fitness after spending six months on the sidelines with an Achilles injury and will be given a run-out for the reserves next week. 

Striker Marlon King is a long-term absentee.

One To Watch Matthew Taylor - Pompey

Prediction Pompey 3 Gillingham 1

Previews Courtesy Of Matt Lond