Portsmouth Vs Arsenal
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DATE: Wed 30 Dec 2009
TIME: 19:45
VENUE: Fratton Park
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Portsmouth midfielder Jamie O'Hara will serve a one-match ban for tomorrow night's Barclays Premier League clash against Arsenal at Fratton Park.
Former Arsenal striker Kanu has been cleared to face his old club before heading off to the African Nations Cup, along with Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj, while Aruna Dindane could also be given dispensation to play ahead of the tournament in Angola.
England international David James (calf) missed the defeat to West Ham, so Asmir Begovic could continue in goal.
Grant, however, is confident his squad have what it takes to drag themselves towards safety, but perhaps need to adopt a different mindset.
"We play football, but maybe we need to be more aggressive - sometimes we are too nice," said former Chelsea manager Grant, who took charge following Paul Hart's dismissal at the end of November, "Only one team that has been bottom at Christmas has stayed up, so we need to fight.
"It will be tough, but we can do it."
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) is a major doubt.
Midfielder Denilson (back) is also struggling for fitness, but Czech winger Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) could return.
Alex Song is available as he will not join up with Cameroon at the African Nations Cup until January 4, but Emmanuel Eboue is already away with the Ivory Coast.
Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Gael Clichy (back), Kieran Gibbs (foot), Robin van Persie (ankle) and Johan Djourou (knee) remain sidelined.
Full-back Armand Traore gained some much-needed first-team experience with Pompey on a season-long loan last year, including the chance to play in the UEFA Cup.
Now, though, the 20-year-old is fully focussed on making the most of his chance with Arsene Wenger's team following injuries to Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs.
"It was a little bit of a mixed year for me. I played a few games and gained some experience, which was good, but changing managers and all the injuries was not so good," Traore told Arsenal TV Online.
"The fans at Fratton Park are unbelievable, one of the best games was against AC Milan - it was so loud, they were cheering like crazy.
"They always cheer whatever happens, and I think they are amazing."
Traore, who joined Arsenal from Monaco in 2005, added: "Portsmouth have made a few headlines, but I think that is a bit harsh because they play good football still and I hope they will go back up the table.
"They have some confidence after beating Liverpool, but then they lost to West Ham.
"Hopefully we can do something against them."
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