Portsmouth v Manchester United Preview

November 27, 2009 | Written by : Jim Haines

New Portsmouth manager Avram Grant will be without his first choice goalkeeper, David James, as he faces Manchester United in his first match in charge of the club.

James is still sidelined with a calf injury, so Jamie Ashdown will deputise for the second match in a row.

Back from injury, however, are forward John Utaka, who has overcome a thigh strain, and left back Steve Finnan, who has missed a number of weeks with a groin injury.

Utaka may start in place of Frederic Piquionne upfront alongside Arune Dindane. Veteran striker Kanu is set for a place on the bench for the home side.

Steve Finnan and Hermann Hreidarsson will battle it out for the starting left-back position.

For Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, continuing injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Johnny Evans and John O’Shea mean that Wes Brown will partner Nemanja Vidic in the heart of the United defence.

Dimitar Berbatov will return to the starting line-up to partner Wayne Rooney in attack after finally shaking off a niggling injury.

Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher both return after being rested for United’s midweek Champions League match, as does goalkeeper Edwin van Der Sar.

KICK-OFF: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28th 15:00 GMT

PORTSMOUTH vs MANCHESTER UTD ODDS AND MATCH BETTING

Portsmouth to win: 9/1 at Bet365 - Click to bet or open account
Manchester United to win: 4/11 at William Hill - Click to bet or open account
Draw: 4/1 at Stan James - Click to bet or open account

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