PORTSMOUTH have proved themselves a very good away side, with eight wins on their travels, a tally matched only by Chelsea.

They will be happy to soak up pressure and than catch Everton on the break.

Defence

DAVID JAMES is an athletic and agile goalkeeper whose natural ability might have earned him more than his 36 England caps.

But he has been prone to lapses in concentration which has led to mistakes being made. However he has put that element of his game behind him to enjoy the best form of his career that has impressed new England manager Fabio Capello.

He is very vocal, and organises Portsmouth’s powerful back four. He has a wealth of experience, having recently played his 500th Premier League game. How Everton break down the players in front of him to get in their attempts at goal will go a long way to shaping the outcome.

Glen Johnson is quick at full-back and will push forward at every opportunity. However defensive duties are not the strongest part of his game. He tends to give the ball away and a player like Steven Pinaar may have some joy down that flank.

Hermann Hreidarsson is a versatile defender having played at full-back and in the middle. A real competitor who is good in the air and dangerous in the opposition box.

The battle between Sol Campbell and Yakubu should be worth the entrance fee alone. Campbell has been one of the best Premier League defenders while Sylvain Distin recovered from a disappointing spell at Newcastle to first establish himself with Manchester City. A quick player who reads the game well. A strong header of the ball.

Midfield

PAPA BOUBA DIOP is as effective breaking up attacks in front his back four as he is lending support to the attack.

Nicknamed the Wardrobe, the powerful player is a big obstacle to any opposition.

Lassana Diarra is full of energy and had been seen as a potential successor to Claude Makelele at Chelsea.

Niko Kranjcar injects some width into Portsmouth’s play. The Croatian, who scored one of the goals at Wembley that stopped England qualifying for Euro 2008, took time to adjust to the Premier League but has prospered with regular football. Will deliver good crosses and work up and down the flank.

Attack

MANAGER Harry Redknapp has some decisions to make in attack.

Often favouring Kanu in a 4-5-1 formation, he may want to rest the striker for the FA Cup quarter-finals, although Jermain Defoe or Milan Baros look less comfortable in a lone strike role. Defoe is very sharp around the area, being capable of shooting with either foot.

Milan Baros has never quite hit the heights his international record suggests he should. The former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Lyon man has scored 31 times in 60 games for the Czech Republic but has struggled to replicate that at club level. However he remains a goal threat.

On his day Kanu shows tremendous talent. Holds the ball up well to involve his team-mates while his dribbling skills provide problems for defenders.

Dangerman

JERMAIN DEFOE – has scored goals wherever he has played. A point to prove after Tottenham let him go.

Overall verdict

PORTSMOUTH are a big, powerful team with one of the best away records in the division and Everton will need to repeat the form shown in the win over Manchester City to gain all three points.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON