Portsmouth host Aston Villa in a Carling Cup quarter-final clash at Fratton Park on Tuesday evening looking to put on a show for their own fans and forget their Premier League woes.

For new Pompey boss Avram Grant, this match takes on a deeper significance as the Israeli will be aiming to make amends for the 2-1 defeat in the 2008 Carling Cup final against Tottenham when he was in charge of Chelsea.

Having seen his tenure at Fratton Park start with a whimper after Saturday's 4-1 loss at home to Manchester United, Grant will be keen to get things up and running, and a morale-boosting win over Villa will be just the ticket.

In 2008, Pompey fans were given a taste of their first piece of silverware since 1939 when Harry Redknapp led the South Coast outfit to FA Cup success, and how they would love to achieve glory in the Carling Cup.

Villa boss Martin O'Neil will not be taking the hosts lightly and will view the Carling Cup much in the same way as his Pompey counterpart - his side's best chance to lift silverware this season.

After earning a battling point against top-four rivals Tottenham on Saturday, Villa will be feeling confident they can overcome Pompey in their own backyard and march into the semi-finals.

Team News:

Portsmouth will be without the cup-tied quartet of Jamie O'Hara, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mike Williamson and Tommy Smith.

Goalkeeper David James is still struggling to shake off a calf injury meaning Asmir Begovic will come in.

Comabtive midfielder Papa Bouba Diop is still nursing a calf injury, whilst up front striker Aruna Dindane will lead the line.

Aston Villa are likely to continue with reserve goalkeeper Brad Guzan after his penalty heroics in the last round against Sunderland.

Defender James Collins is not available due to a groin injury, whilst Nigel Reo-Coker (ankle) and Stephen Warnock (illness) are doubtful.

Probable Line-Ups (*Star Man):

Portsmouth (4-4-2): Begovic; Wilson, Kaboul, Ben Haim, Hreidarsson; Utaka*, Brown, Yebda, Mullins; Piquionne, Dindane

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan, Beye, Cuellar, Dunne, L Young; Petrov, Sidwell, Delph; Milner, Heskey, A Young*

ExtraFootie Prediction: Portsmouth 2 - 1 Aston Villa. A tight one to call, but we think Pompey might just edge it on the night with home advantage proving decisive.