Harry Redknapp is highly unlikely to feel like celebrating if his team are beaten by Portsmouth in the FA Cup this lunchtime, but the Southampton manager has emphasised that staying in the Premiership is his priority.

Today's tie at St Mary's Stadium has a particular edge with Redknapp facing Portsmouth for the first time since he left there in November. But the 57-year-old insisted he bore his former club no ill-will and said this match was not the most important of those on the horizon.

"I hold no vendettas and, if I'm honest, the Premiership games are much more important to us than cup ties," he said.

"I signed all the Portsmouth players and probably know more than anybody about them. They are a great bunch of lads with a terrific team spirit and, if they keep that, they will stay in the Premiership, no danger."

There will, in fact, be players in Portsmouth's squad not purchased by Redknapp because his successor Velimir Zajec yesterday signed Kostas Chalkias, a goalkeeper, from Panathinaikos and Giannis Skopelitis, a defensive midfielder, from Egaleo.

The two Greeks are expected to make their debuts today and Portsmouth's shopping is not finished. The Russia striker Dmitri Bulykin is set to sign subject to a work permit and an attacking midfielder is also being sought.

"I hope this will put to rest the notion that has grown recently that we have suddenly become a selling club," said the chairman Milan Mandaric.

The club's coach Joe Jordan, with eyes on the immediate task against Southampton, stressed the need for Portsmouth to remain calm in what is certain to be a highly charged atmosphere.

"A player must be tuned in and able to handle occasions like this," he said. "It has got to be controlled. It is sure to be physical. It will be emotional, a derby, but a good temperament can make all the difference."

Portsmouth will not face their former midfielder Nigel Quashie, who is cup-tied, but will have to contend with a former striker, Peter Crouch.

Crouch's £2 million purchase from Aston Villa last summer was among factors contributing to Southampton yesterday announcing losses of £1.6 million in the six months to last November.

About 400 police officers will be on duty this afternoon and they believe they have persuaded the vast majority of licensees to keep their premises shut before and after the game (kick-off 12.30 p.m.).