16.51: Bad day just gets worse as Mellberg is red carded.

16.49: Time running out for Villa who will drop to seventh with Pompey going up to sixth. It is a battle for the Intertoto for the rest of a season that promised much.

16.41: Pompey are reduced to ten men when Muntari is dismissed for a second booking on sub Salifou, who replaced Bouma just a minute later.
16.38: Harewood has the ball in the net but it is ruled out for offside.

16.35: Krancjar misses a great chance to seal the game, from close range.

16.30: Agbonlahor and Mellberg both go in the book. Villa have missed more good chances – Knight the culprit this time.

16.27: Harewood shoots wide and that is as close as Villa have come. Not much sign of a comeback on the south coast.

16.16: First change for Villa and it’s Harewood on for Maloney.

16.08: Agbonlahor misses a great chance to score, slicing wide from two yards. Nash: “It looked easier to score.”

16.05: Back underway and Adam Williams has had his say on the first half. Come on Villa fans what do you think?

15.48: half time and lots of work for Villa in the second period.

15.45: James saves well from Young – that sums up the first half for Villa.

15.40: Portsmouth double their lead at Fratton Park. Ad it’s a disaster for Villa, Carson race out of his area, smashes a clearance against Nigel Reo-Coker and it bounces back into an empty net. Harsh on Villa.

15.36: Another great chance for Villa, Carew this time produces an awful shot from inside the area. Should have done better.

15.33: Agbonlahor’s sharp turn and shot is blocvked by Distin. Villa are playing well but can’t get that goal.

15.30: Both sides look capable of scoring in this one, it’s fairly open at Fratton Park.

15.25: Ashley Young’s free kick causes problems for Pompey but they get it clear.

15.22: Baros forces a save from Carson with a low shot to the keeper’s right.

15.18: Agbonlahor shoots from distance but it is saved by James. Villa don’t deserve to be behind in this one.

15.16: Nash is laying some blame at Carson’s door for the goal. He says: “Question marks will surround the positioning of the young goalkeeper.”

15.12: Pompey take the lead with a bit of class from Defoe. He picks up a long ball, turns and lobs Carson brilliantly.

Should Villa have signed him?

15.08: Baros is the victim of “cruel jeers” from the Villa fans, according to Nash. he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory at Villa Park did he?

15.06: All Villa early on, two more efforts on goal and James smothers Agbonlahor’s effort, the goalkeeper had to be quick off his line there.

15.03: First shot from Maloney for Villa but it is comfortable for James.

15.02: Our man at the game Tim Nash reveals that Gardner is out with a back injury picked up in midweek.

15.01: Game kicks off at Fratton Park, with the Villa fans huddled in what must be the worst away end. Anyone remember an FA Cup clash between the two teams in Brian Little’s time, it ended 2-2 and it was soaking wet on the open away terrace?

14.56: Adam Williams is worried about Carson and Knight today. Pompey will test them that’s for sure. Join the debate below.

As for Gardner it is not clear whether he is injured or dropped at the moment.

14.48: MON reckons Villa could finish anywhere between fourth and 10th. Any lower than sixth would be a major disappointment wouldn’t it Villa fans.

14.37: Jermain Defoe in the Pompey line-up, should Villa have signed him in January?

He is partnered by Milan Baros – surely destined for a goal this afternoon.

14.34: One change from the boss, Gardner out of the 16, Mellberg replacing him.

Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma; Maloney, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young; Carew, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Taylor, Harewood, Salifou, Petrov, Osbourne.

14.00: A poor performance in midweek has put the pressure on Villa today.

Pompey could go above them if they win at Fratton Park, while MON’s men must try to get maximum points to close the gap on Everton and Liverpool.

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