Portsmouth must contain the threat of striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, the prolific Nigerian striker that manager Harry Redknapp wishes he still had in his side, if they want to keep alive their dream of a UEFA Cup place.
Redknapp, who has his own striking dilemma to resolve, said: "Everton are very strong, they are in great form. And Yakubu is on fire.
"He looks fantastic for them. People have criticised the Yak, but he has banged in 15 goals in about 24 games, and every year he guarantees you 20 goals."
That was Yakubu's yearly average over three seasons with Portsmouth - but after Redknapp left for a year at Southampton the striker was sold by his replacement Alain Perrin to Middlesbrough for £7.5million.
Redknapp has revealed his bitter disappointment after being priced out of bid to buy him back in the summer.
He admitted: "I said that Everton paid too much but I was just trying to get him cheaper. I felt he wanted out of Middlesbrough and felt there was a cat and mouse game going on, and that maybe he would end up around £8million.
"I was wrong and, in the end Everton did a deal, but he is a goalscorer and he will always score goals."
