Portsmouth are boosted by the return of top scorer Jermain Defoe for Saturday's late Premier League clash with Newcastle at Fratton Park.Defoe will definitely start against the Magpies but the identity of his strike partner is still uncertain with Milan Baros (calf) and John Utaka (hamstring) both doubtful.

Kanu is available but Harry Redknapp is wary of over-exerting the man who will be his main forward for the FA Cup final next month with Defoe cup-tied.

David Nugent could also figure again after a rare start at West Ham in midweek.

Midfielder Lassana Diarra (thigh) is another possible absentee having missed three of the last four games while Lauren and Richard Hughes could both come into contention.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 5.15pm.

Pompey (from): James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop, Mendes, Mvuemba, Utaka, Diarra, Muntari, Davis, Kranjcar, Kanu, Baros, Defoe, Hughes, Lauren, Aubey, Begovic, Ashdown.

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