I fancy a draw on this one. It’s about time Man Utd got one on the road, and besides 3-0-3 isn’t exactly the form of a Champion on their travels. Not in EPL anyways.
United drew at home to CSKA and lost away to direct competitors; Chelsea just before the international break. They won at home over Everton though just after the break, but then lost again, and AT HOME vs Besiktas.
Yes, I know that was a fringe team they fielded on Wednesday, but it shows they are stuttering never-the-less. Last season their I suspect their U-17 boys would have still won over Besiktas at Old Trafford.
As for Pompey, I have not much good to say about them overall, but they did produce two back-to-back 4-0 home wins over Stoke (Carling) and Wigan (EPL) in their last 2 games here at Fratton Park, so maybe they will be able to find the net against the stuttering defense of the title defenders.
Of course, David James’ absence could change the whole shape of the game, with Pompey defending in masses, but it depends on how you see it. United are not too good at penetrating condensed defenses of late, and David James does have his moments of “foolishness” as well, so maybe Ashdown will be different.
Primus is also out injured, while Papa Bouba Diop, Steve Finnan and John Utaka are all doubtful.
United are still without Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea. Owen Hargreaves as well. The trio of Dimitar Berbatov, Johnny Evans and Fabio are all doubtful too.
My key element is Pompey’s new management. Grant would love to start his reign with a positive result, and even more against the title defenders.
Ok, maybe not a draw, but at least the A.H. will do
Pick:
Pompey +1.25 A.H. @ 1.94 w/ Pinnacle








