Portsmouth fans have had very little to cheer about this season. A record-breaking losing streak to kick-off their campaign coupled with persistent ownership rumours has seen Pompey become every punter's bet for the drop. Goals have ultimately been the problem on the South Coast, with the club netting only 5 in 10 matches prior to Saturday's Wigan encounter.

Is there hope for Pompey? Maybe if you're an eternal optimist. I just like to think of it as something that Portsmouth fans can reminisce about next season when they are taking the Coca Cola Championship by storm. That is just where the state of Pompey football is at the moment. One 4-0 victory is not going to suddenly turn things around for the better, but for that to happen, Piquionne and Dindane are going to have to put in these types of performances week in and week out.

Under serious pressure

1 Another false dawn for Liverpool after a shambolic defeat at Craven Cottage. Two red cards, 3 goals conceded, Torres a major doubt for Wednesday's crunch game at Lyon and Gerrard definitely out. How much worse can things get for Rafa Benitez? His power base within the club is secure after he saw off Rick Parry and negotiated a huge contract with the American owners last season.

After a miserable midweek Champions League match against Besiktas, the Premier League is here to save the day as bottom club Portsmouth host the Champions at Fratton Park. However, Sir Alex begins his two-match ban, so Mike Phelan will be handing out the touchline instructions.

It is Avram Grant's first game in charge of Pompey after the departure of Paul Hart on Tuesday, and he seems up for the challenge,

"The spirit of the team and atmosphere are good.