Pompey welcome the champions of England to Fratton park, just a few months after continuing their great run of home results against the reds.
Vital Quotes:
Tevez is grabbing all the headlines as he lies in wait for his debut,he claims he is ready to ‘write my own piece of history’, he will have a lot to do, and expectations will undoubtedly be sky high from the fervent red supporters.
Pompey Team News:
Pompey’s biggest worries appear to be over both Sol Campbell and Pedro Mendes, ironically two of Pompeys most influential players that missed last seasons triumph.
Gary O’Neil will hoping to play a part after suffering no further reaction to ankle, and Matt Taylor will be hoping to push Muntari into central midfield at the expense of Sean Davis.
Redknapp may decide to tinker about up front, Utaka has proven his goalscorng instincts already and may make the push forward, and Kanu will be hoping to step into either Benjani or Nugents boots also.
Player to watch: Campbell
If he makes the game, big Sol has a major point to prove to Steve McClaren after his complete ousting from the England set-up, the England manager has admitted he may have to call on both Campbell and Jamo again, and both will be out impress.
Man U Team News:
Rooney has bust his foot again and spends another spell in dry dock along with Gary Neville, so Tevez should step in for him, Nani and Andersson are both vying for a start, but Ferguson probably cannot afford to risk both so early.
Player to watch: Van der Sar
Not for his skills I go for the Dutchman, but the fact he feels under pressure for maybe the first time in his career, after a blinder in the penalty shoot-out at Wembley, maybe another one of those lapses in concentration is due?
Match Facts & Stats
Recent games at Fratton tend to go our way, close fought matches just edged by the Blues in front of raucous support.
Ref Watch:
As long as its not ‘point to the spot’ Wiley
Match Prediction:
Got to go for a Pompey win even if my head says different, Nugent to score? Oh go on then!
If you think otherwise click here.
Next Fixtures:
Bolton on Saturday at Fratton