Nigel Reo-Coker will not feature for Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa side after being sent home from training.
Steve Sidwell will take Reo-Coker's place in central midfield, with Villa likely to play a 4-4-2 formation.
Norwegian international John Carew is pushing for a starting berth, although England striker Emile Heskey is also fit and available.
New signings Steven Warnock and Richard Dunne will both start - as left back and in central defence respectively.
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart has no new injury worries, although defenders Steven Finnan and Hermann Hreidarsson are both still sidelined.
New signings Tal Ben Haim, Jamie O'Hara and Kevin Prince-Boateng will all start for Hart's side, while forward Tommy Smith will partner Frederique Piquionne for the second time this season.
KICK-OFF : SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19th 15:00 GMT
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Aston Villa v Portsmouth Team Preview
