Former Portsmouth striker Paul Merson fears for his old club.

In his column for the Daily Star, Merson wrote: "They have lost most of their best players with Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe ­following Harry Redknapp to Tottenham and Glen Johnson going to Liverpool.

"But the millions from their sales have been swallowed up by the club's debts.

"And boss Paul Hart has been forced to replace them with players who are well below their level.

"If the fans lose faith Pompey have had it and the three promoted teams will fancy their chances of finishing above them.

"One of them, Wolves, might. But for me it's Pompey, Burnley and Birmingham for relegation. And while I'm at it I'll tip Chelsea to win the title."