Jermain Defoe's enforced absence could mean a surprise start for John Utaka in Portsmouth's Premier League clash with Tottenham (12.45pm).Harry Redknapp is reluctant to start Kanu, who is needed for the FA Cup semi-final in two weeks when Defoe is cup-tied, but needs a new front-line partner for Milan Baros and winger Utaka can also play central.

Redknapp is without the injured Sol Campbell (knee) and suspended midfielders Sulley Muntari and Papa Bouba Diop - Pedro Mendes and Richard Hughes are hoping for replacement roles along with Arnold Mvuemba and Sean Davis.

Pompey (from): James, Johnson, Hreidarsson, Distin, Lauren, Diarra, Mendes, Hughes, Kranjcar, Davis, Mvuemba, Baros, Utaka, Kanu, Aubey, Nugent, Ashdown.

More Football News from TEAMtalk