Rafa has named his lineup for the Fratton Park clash with Portsmouth and it’s one of his most puzzling selections yet.
Torres misses out as rumoured yesterday afternoon. He and Alonso (who was nursing a knock) are on the bench. What’s most surprising however is that Agger is recalled and Aurellio and Dossena are both starting, with Kuyt also rested to the bench. No doubt things will become clear soon enough but this appears to mean that Agger will start in central midfield with Aurellio wide left and Ngog and Babel up front. Maybe I’m miles off with that – who knows. What is certain – things are never dull with Rafa in this kind of mood.
As for Portsmouth – Adams recalls fit-again Campbell to his defence, Belhadj returns from suspension, while Basinas gets his debut in midfield. Kranjcar is fit enough for the bench.