United v Pompey (mark 4)

Pompey play their 3rd away game in 7 days today, and a return trip back up to Manchester, this time to face champions and title chasing Utd.

Both teams need 3 points desperately, Man U will no doubt go all out for the win, while pompey's ambition remains to be seen, teams that sit back for a point generally leave with nothing, Pompey can't settle for narrow 1-0 defeats anymore, we have been playing catch up since day 1, the relegation pack is creeping away from us now, only by about a point a month, but a margin has developed now which will take two wins just to gain parity with the next nearest side.
Man U have been accused of playing badly lately, that was put to bed last week with a 3-1 win at the Emirates against an Arsenal side that was pushing hard for a title of their own.

Utd will have no Ferdinand as he is suspended, the return of Vidic should counter this.
Otherwise Utd have no new injury worries.

Bit predictable really, but he has been a thorn in Pompey's side since his Everton days, take into account his goalscoring form and you don't have a bad player really.

Pompey may give a debut to Rocha John Rocha in defence, the fashion label will be in for Ben Haim if he struggles to shake off a groin tweak.
Quincy is in with a shout as well, while Smith has returned to full fitness after his own groin problems.
Diop and Brown are still short of returning to the squad, but Kanu has returned from his extended holiday in Africa to add attacking options, maybe Utaka will re-surface also!

Pompey need to find a goal from somewhere, absolutely anywhere in fact, Aruna is back and missed a couple of good chances aginst Fulham, one thing about him is that he gets in positions to miss a lot of chances, if he can just hit the target, who knows?

1957 was the last time took a maximum points tally away from Old Trafford, not a great stat, but we have fared a little better in the FA cup of course...

Christopher Millar

Can Pompey play David against Goliath? the odds are against it, but after playing well and losing so regularly, maybe the tide can turn, add your guesstimate here.

A nice friendly trip up the road...

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