Police on alert for coastal cup derby

Hampshire police have drafted in 280 extra officers for tonight's Carling Cup clash between Southampton and Portsmouth.

There is a fierce rivalry between the clubs and more than 4,000 Portsmouth fans are expected to make the 25-mile trip along the south coast to the game.

Pubs near the ground will close early and the tone of the evening is likely to be set by the respect Portsmouth supporters show during a pre-match minute's silence for Southampton president Ted Bates, who died last week.

Southampton police chief superintendent Paul Stickler said: "This tie presents an exciting opportunity to watch a local derby.

"We will work hard to ensure the people of Southampton and Portsmouth enjoy the evening."

Rupert Lowe, the Southampton chairman, added: "The game means extra pressure on our stadium operation because of historical issues and the larger percentage of away fans for Carling Cup ties.

"It is an exciting game and it is important we maintain the family spirit we try to promote at this club."

Jim Smith believes Portsmouth can use tonight's game to reignite their season.

After an impressive start in the Premiership, Harry Redknapp's side have lost seven of their last nine games and now find themselves only two points above the drop zone.

However, assistant manager Smith believes a win at St Mary's would be just the tonic Portsmouth need to get them back on their feet.

"We are not playing as well as we were at the start of the season, but it only takes one thing to turn things around," Smith said.

"There is not as much pressure on us in this match as there would be in a Premiership game and we have told the players to go out and express themselves.

"The Premiership is the most important thing, but we owe it to the fans to put on a good show."

Redknapp has injury problems, with Shaka Hislop, Nigel Quashie, Vincent Pericard, Jason Roberts and Svetoslav Todorov all out injured.

Senegal midfielder Amdy Faye may be recalled after a month out with a knee injury and Mark Burchill is set to make his first appearance of the season on the bench.

Southampton striker Kevin Phillips is expected to recover from a virus, but left-back Graeme Le Saux is out with a hamstring injury.