Liverpool welcome Harry Redknapp's high-flying Portsmouth to Anfield determined to give the home crowd some much-needed Christmas cheer following last weekend's disappointing 1-0 loss to Manchester United.

The narrow defeat to Alex Ferguson's side was our first league defeat on home soil this season, and followed on from the 3-1 reversal at Reading.

It is a run of results that has seen Rafael Benitez's men slip 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal and means the game in hand they have over the other title contenders has become even more significant.

A run of victories over the festive period, beginning with Pompey, will go some way to enhancing our chances of catching the Gunners and the Reds received an early Christmas gift during the past week, with the news that Xabi Alonso is fit following the metatarsal injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on October 28.

The two sides met earlier in the campaign when Pepe Reina's penalty save from Kanu secured a 0-0 draw for the Reds at Fratton Park.

The visitors are currently sitting in seventh place, level on 30 points with Liverpool, and they have been inspired form on the road of late, with crushing victories over Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Liverpool will have to be at their best if they are to secure their first win in four attempts against Harry Redknapp's side and get their Premier League title hopes back on track.