Harry Redknapp concedes his side face a daunting task as they bid to thwart rampant Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day.

Portsmouth suffered a resounding 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday and could not ask for tougher opposition just four days later.

The Gunners are riding high at the summit of the table following their tense 2-1 win over north London rivals Tottenham at the weekend and Arsene Wenger's side have received praise from all quarters for their stylish football.

Pompey had won six consecutive games on their travels before their capitulation at Anfield and they will be hoping they can replicate their previously fine away form at Fratton Park on Wednesday.

But Redknapp is well aware that his side could face another heavy defeat if they do not prevent Arsenal from playing their potentially devastating passing game.

"They're all intelligent players," Redknapp told the club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk.

"When you put them together they know how to play the game.

"Their movement is just so good. They pop up all over the place, they rotate around the pitch and their full-backs come forward - they're fantastic.

"It's difficult to try to pin them down. You have to try to get after them and get in their faces if you can."

Portsmouth have failed to beat Arsenal since their promotion to the Premier League in 2003 - a run which now extends to nine games.

Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky inspired the Gunners to a 3-1 win over the Blues at the Emirates Stadium in September and Redknapp saw enough in that defeat to know his side will have their work cut out.

"If you stand off them and let them pass it around, then they'll pass you to death," he added.

"They sent a young side down to Blackburn in the Carling Cup and Arsenal absolutely destroyed them with their passing and their movement.

"Like many people, I thought when Thierry Henry left they would have a period of transition but I wouldn't bet against them winning the championship now.

"It's going to be a tough game but I'm looking forward to it."

Saturday's defeat to Liverpool came a week after a 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham, but Redknapp remains confident that his side will still be firmly in the hunt for a European berth come the end of the season.

He added: "I don't think there's much between about six, seven or eight of us.

"We've had a great start with 30 points by Christmas.

"Before the Liverpool match we won six away games on the spin - and that's great form."