Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho recalled England left-back Ashley Cole and gave Dutch winger Arjen Robben a place in the starting line-up against Portsmouth.
Wayne Bridge, who was preferred to Cole in last Sunday's Carling Cup final triumph, was among the substitutes.
Portsmouth left Andrew Cole on the bench with Kanu and Lomana LuaLua preferred in attack.
Portsmouth: James, Pamarot, Primus, Campbell, Traore, O'Neil, Davis, Hughes, Taylor, Kanu, LuaLua. Subs: Ashdown, O'Brien, Cole, Kranjcar, Mvuemba.
Chelsea: Cech, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Ashley Cole, Makelele, Lampard, Ballack, Robben, Shevchenko, Drogba. Subs: Cudicini, Bridge, Ferreira, Kalou, Wright-Phillips.
Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire)