PETER CROUCH is hoping to extend his hot streak against Manchester City at Fratton Park tomorrow and insists there is no reason why the Blues cannot win.

The big striker has scored three goals in two games since returning from injury, taking his seasons tally to 11 goals in 16 matches.

He is hoping he can help his side get one over Kevin Keegan's men, who currently sit seventh in Division One having scored more goals than anyone else.

He said: "They are a typical Kevin Keegan side and you know what to expect. They play good, attacking football so we are going to have to be at our best to beat them but if we play to our strengths then there is no reason why we shouldn't."

Two of the league's top scorers will also come head-to-head with Crouch being on the same pitch as Shaun Goater who has netted 20 times this season for the Maine Road men.

But Crouch said: "He's a great striker and you know if you give him chances then he will score. But I don't feel any pressure to catch him.

"It is nice to be up there. I wasn't expecting it but I will keep going and hopefully get a few more."

Pompey boss Graham Rix added: "It is a real test for us against Manchester City. I hope we can take the form we have shown on the road into our home games.

"City are fancied to go straight back up but we reckon we aren't a bad side either."

Rix will have former Manchester City striker Lee Bradbury back after suspension to resume his partnership with Crouch and Gary O'Neil is back from England under-19 duty, while Barnsley continue to show an interest in Lee Mills, who could be let go for as little as £400,000.

Keegan should be able to call on his new signing, Frenchman Christian Negouai, whom he captured in midweek for £1.5 million.

Justin Edinburgh is still struggling with his Achilles injury but Rix has allayed initial fears that he could be out for three months, but he remains a free transfer.

Pompey: Kawaguchi, Primus, Hiley, Zamperini, Waterman, Barrett, Harper, Pitt, Prosinecki, Bradbury, Beasant, Vincent, Curtis, Mills, Crowe, Lovell, O'Neil.

Man City: Weaver, Dunne, Mettomo, Pearce, Wright-Phillips, Berkovic, Howey, Benarbia, Huckerby, Goater, Tiatto, Negouai, Colosimo, Horlock, Etuhu, Nash, Dickov.