Portsmouth-Arsenal Preview

Aug 20, 2009 - 4:50 PM ALEX CROOK STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - David James is seeking inspiration from Burnley to help Portsmouth to topple free-scoring Arsenal on Saturday.

Portsmouth have lost each of their opening two Premier League games without scoring and face an uphill task to improve that record when the travel to the Emirates Stadium.

James says Burnley's heroic 1-0 mid-week victory over champions Manchester United has given Paul Hart's side hope of causing an upset.

England goalkeeper James said: "Arsenal are as always one of the favourites to take the Championship, so it's going to be tough.

"We conceded two goals and we've lost two matches so the frustration is that at the moment we can't afford to concede any goals.

"We'll see what happens, we can't go there fearful of them as much as we have to respect they are a very decent outfit.

"It's going to be interesting no matter what, so happy days. Who would have thought Burnley would beat Manchester United?"

Portsmouth have injury concerns after midfielder Papa Bouba Diop hobbled off with a hamstring injury during Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Birmingham.

Defenders Steve Finnan and Herman Hreidarsson remain sidelined with hamstring and thigh problems.

James' Arsenal counterpart Manuel Almunia says the Gunners will be this season's surprise package.

Arsenal are the outsiders to take the title after finishing a distant fourth last season and being humbled by champions Manchester United in the Champions League semi finals.

Arsene Wenger's side fired a warning to their championship rivals by thrashing Everton 6-1 at Goodison Park last weekend before recording an impressive 2-0 European win at Celtic on Tuesday.

Goalkeeper Almunia has also hailed the impact 10 million pounds Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has made since his summer move from Ajax.

Almunia said: "The things we had to improve were the communication, our positions on the pitch, how to work as a unit and as a team.

"All the team is defending well. The midfielders and the strikers are defending together and Thomas is a good signing for us.

"He's a very, very good player, a good defender with a great left foot and good in the air. He is complete.

"Thomas looks like he has been at the club for more than a few months. He is a very calm player. He is a very tough player ??? a great defender.

"He is very relaxed and makes the people around him relaxed as well. Not only William Gallas, but me, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna too."

Arsenal manager Wenger has also issued an ominous warning to the rest of the Premier League by insisting Cesc Fabregas can become even better.

Fabregas was in sensational form during the Gunners' opening day 6-1 demolition of Everton, scoring two goals and setting up two others.

Wenger said: "I do not want to put too much pressure on him but he can score goals.

"He has improved his finishing, his power in finishing as well. He was always in interesting situations offensively but he could not always finish, but he is now at an age where he can."