Leeds United manager Simon Grayson looks set to make changes ahead of today's clash with Portsmouth at Elland Road.
Grayson said his team had picked up some "bumps and bruises" after they drew with Leicester on Boxing Day. Luciano Becchio left the Walkers pitch with five minutes remaining and could be one of many changes to the Leeds starting 11. Andy O'Brien returned to the heart of the defence against Leicester and could be joined by Alex Bruce who is now fit after a groin injury against QPR.
Portsmouth have some selection problems of their own, Michael Brown and Richard Hughes are both set to miss the match. Both players will trigger an appearance-related contract extension if they play another game for the club. Cash strapped Pompey have said they cannot afford the new deals. Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill does have Greg Halford available for selection after he completed his suspension.
Going into the game Portsmouth will be full of confidence, they have beaten Swansea and Norwich in their past two away games. Leeds are third in the Championship and are currently unbeaten in ten but have struggled against Portsmouth in the past. Pompey have won the past four encounters between the two, and haven't been beaten by Leeds in 20 years.
My prediction:
Portsmouth got a draw against Millwall on Boxing Day and have a fantastic record against Leeds. Due to the busy Christmas period Simon Grayson looks set to make changes with Luciano Becchio been the most likely to miss today's game. I would like to see more of Billy Paynter and Ross McCormack as Leeds fans have seen very little from either player. I think Leeds will look to end the year on a high and put in a good performance in front of a big crowd at Elland Road. My prediction for today's game is 3-0 Leeds, Paynter, Snodgrass and McCormack to score.