Pompey played 3-5-2 during their 3-0 victory at Everton last time out when they were able to hit the hosts on the break, while the formation also allowed Redknapp to play both Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in attack without losing numbers in midfield.

Redknapp is now considering using the system against Middlesbrough this weekend and beyond.

"There are pros and cons to playing the 3-5-2 system. You cover the pitch better with 4-4-2 but there aren't many teams in the world that play that way - probably nowhere except England," he told the club's official website.

suits everybody

"Most teams only play with one striker. I'm trying to play with two, but when you play different formations and go to places like Chelsea you find yourselves outnumbered in midfield because they play with one up and you have problems.

"We gave teams problems last season when we played 4-5-1 and a lot of them were playing 4-4-2. We were able to dominate the middle of the park. It suits everybody in our side to play 3-5-2."

www.portsmouthfc.co.uk