VfL Wolfsburg 3 - 2 Portsmouth

VfL Wolfsburg v Portsmouth: Preview

Updated: December 3, 2008, 7:43 PM UK

Sol Campbell is set to return to the heart of the Portsmouth defence for Thursday night's vital UEFA Cup clash at Wolfsburg.

The veteran centre-back has completed two full training sessions this week after recovering from a toe problem and is likely to be joined in the starting XI by midfielder Niko Kranjcar, who featured as a substitute at the weekend after an ankle injury.

Defender Younes Kaboul (shin) and winger John Utaka (hip) have not travelled, but Jermain Defoe is expected to feature once again despite his niggling calf problem.

After his team's plans were thrown into disarray by the financial collapse of their air carrier this morning, Portsmouth manager Tony Adams insists his team can stay afloat in the UEFA Cup.

Flightline, the company due to fly the Pompey squad out to Germany, went into administration this morning and laid off more than 200 staff.

However, a replacement company was found at the 11th hour to make sure that, at the very least, the Barclays Premier League club would be able to fulfil their daunting engagement.

"There are plenty of aircrafts out there, it was really simple and it's been smooth, there have been no complications whatsoever,'' Adams said.

"While it might seem like a big deal, the players and myself have not been affected one bit.''

The Pompey boss added: "We prepared this morning, I changed that from the usual preparation because I noticed Arsenal had done it through their Champions League campaign.

"It's simple for me to prepare as if it's just another game, back at base.

"So I prepared as if it was Arsenal, Manchester United, Hull or a UEFA Cup game.''

Portsmouth head into the game with just a single point from their two matches so far in Group E, and realistically must win at the Volkswagen Arena to have any hope of progressing to the last 32.

Last week, Adams' side let slip a two-goal lead with six minutes remaining to draw 2-2 with AC Milan at Fratton Park, and with it lost a gilt-edged chance to atone for their 3-0 hammering at Braga in their first pool match in October.

Two victories against Wolfsburg and Heerenveen, on December 17, would see them through, but picking up three vital points at the home of the Wolves will be a massive task given they are unbeaten there this season.

Pompey will be boosted, however, by the likely return of Campbell.

"After a couple of games when we've been done late, his experience could have helped,'' Adams said.

"Someone like that that's been there, seen it, done it has a calming influence on the team. We've just missed players of that experience.''

Felix Magath's Wolfsburg currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga and are well in contention to qualify for European competition by virtue of their league position for a second consecutive season.

A draw will be enough to clinch progression to the knockout stages for the German side, but Magath is not expecting an easy night.

He told his club's official website: "(They are) a strong opponent. Although Portsmouth have not had the best season up till now, they have a very good team.

"They will also demand something from us physically. We can therefore assume that they will play offensively and for the win. The crowd can be set for a real battle, it will be a highly interesting game.

Magath remains without leading scorer Grafite, who is still missing after breaking a bone in his ear in a training-ground accident last week.

"He will also not be able to play against Portsmouth,'' confirmed the coach. "Grafite, becuase of his injury, is being examined further and it remains to be seen how long he will be out for.''