Manchester United vs Portsmouth preview
Manchester United will hope to pick up their first win of the 2008/09 Premiership season when they travel to Fratton Park on Monday ( Aug 25) to take on Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth.
United drew 1-1 with Newcastle United last week, with Chelsea and Liverpool recording wins, it becomes imperative for Sir Alex’s side to pick up three points at Portsmouth. That will be easier said than done- Fratton Park has not been the happiest hunting ground for United in the recent past, and Portsmouth want to put up an improved show after their opening day mauling at the hands of Felipe Scolari’s men. Carlos Tevez returns for this game after a family bereavement forced him to miss the season opener. With Ronaldo, Saha and Giggs all not likely to start, Ferguson will welcome the Argentine’s presence. Anderson has returned from Olympic duty, but SAF will not rush him in early. Nani serves the last of his three match ban, and with Hargreaves, Carrick and Park on the sidelines, we may see John O’Shea come into midfield. Mikael Silvestre has left for Arsenal.
Portsmouth do not have as many injury problems as their opponents, and Harry Redknapp would have issued a strong warning to his boys after the Chelsea game. Noe Pamarot and Niko Kranjcar are injury doubts, but Harry Redknapp otherwise has a full squad to pick from. Pompey have won three of their last five outings against United at home, and drew 1-1 with them last season. Sulley Muntari and Cristiano Ronaldo were both sent off in the fixture, which took place a little over a year back- on 15 Aug 2007, to be precise. Fratton Park is a tough place to visit, as many of United’s current players already know. Both the previous matches this season- in the Tinapa fiesta and the Community Shield went in Manchester United’s favour.
United need to win. A Super Cup trip to Monaco awaits them next, following which they play Liverpool. Failure to pick up three points here could lead to real pressure being built on them. Pompey to play gritty and eke out a 1-1 draw with Crouch and Rooney scoring.
