Pompey

Last week it seemed as if our season was fizzling out, but now Sven's future may depend on the next few performances.

More poor football and results in front of 39,000 could seal his fate. But an occassion like those against United, Newcastle or Middlesbrough - over six months ago - with stylish play and vocal support for Eriksson may convince Shinawatra to stick with him.

I'd like to think that the players will want to perform well for Sven. They, hopefully, realise what's at stake here. If we hit sixty points and seventh place it almost forces Thaksin's hand.

I don't imagine we'll change a winning team. Portsmouth's physical midfield favours the inclusion of Hamann - but I think Sven will want to stick with Gelson and Johnson in the middle. He could go with Hamann, Gelson, Johnson in the centre and Elano on the right - but it's not worked before.

It's good that this game matters, but unfortunately for the wrong reasons. Let's hope the players remind Thaksin what we can do.