Match Previews

A big clash against the European giants and looking for a good result after suffering a 3:0 defeat in the first game ... Adams will be without Defoe (k)(att) is not fit after a calf injury ... Thomas (sp)(mid) also sidelined while Diarra (r)(mid) is out for a month; Kranjcar (r)(mid) and Campbell (k)(def) remain sidelined while Sahar (sp)(att), Nugent (sp)(att) and Lauren (sp)(def) are not registered for the competition ... Utaka (sp)(att) out as well whie Davis (sp)(mid) is a  doubt ... Portsmouth face a massive game at home to AC Milan on Thursday as they look to secure a good result against the Italian heavyweights and improve their chance of progressing into the next stage of the UEFA Cup. Pompey started with a thumping 3:0 defeat away at Braga and since then have not played. Now they need at least a point against Milan to remain in touch with the other teams in the group. Tony Adams has found it tough as a manager since taking over last month and he managed just a single win so far. He was denied a first victory at home as Hull came back from behind twice to earn a dramatic 2:2 draw. The manager was left to rue the missed chances and he knows that a much better and more effective display will be needed against the European giants in what will be the most prestigious game for the club. They will be missing some important players for the game though as Adams has his choice limited by injuries. Jermaine Defoe suffered a calf injury while in action for England against Germany last week. He will avoid a surgery but the striker is not fit to make ther game for sure. Lassana Diarra has been struggling with ankle injury for a while and will be out for a few more weeks. Niko Krancjar and Sol Campbell have not recovered in time for the game and will miss out as well after sitting out the last two games. John Utaka failed to recover from a thigh injury while Sean Davis is a major doubt with a virus. Jerome Thomas remains sidelined while David Nugent, Ben Sahar and Lauren are not eligible to play as they have no registration for the UEFA Cup. With his options limited, Adams is set to start Nwankwo Kanu as his experience will help against Milan. Adams will be desperate to see a big display by his men as they will be expected to rise to the occasion on Thursday.