Manchester United v Portsmouth Betting Preview

A big shift in momentum went in Manchester United’s favour last weekend and a victory on Saturday would put them top of the Premier League, at least temporarily.

Manchester United

Less than 60 seconds worth of magic from Nani earned him Sky Sports’ man of the match in Manchester United’s 3-1 victory at Arsenal on Sunday. Fortunately the Premier League fantasy football selectors went with my choice of choosing Wayne Rooney, who just so happened to be in my team. He scored a hattrick at Fratton Park in November (2 penalties) and is a player hot on form. 13 goals in his last 11 league games sees him as the Premier League top scorer. Before that game I was twittering about how someone else in the United side needed to step up if they were to win at the Emirates. I suggested Antonio Valencia, but it was his replacement Nani that was involved in their two opening goals (I was nearly right!). Cesc Fabregas was conveniently dropped from my fantasy team (for Frank Lampard) as he once again went quiet against the Champions. Wayne Rooney will enjoy facing this Portsmouth defence who look all over the place and have recently lost Younes Kaboul to make things worse. Expect him to have another good weekend as he fires United to the top of the league again.

Last 5 games
WLWWW

Injuries/Suspensions
Rio Ferdinand (suspended)
Nemanja Vidic
John O’Shea
Owen Hargreaves

Portsmouth

If you haven’t already backed Portsmouth to go down, it’s a bit late now. Odds of 1/6 aren’t of any value despite the Premier League’s bottom side with obvious problems and struggling to fill the bench. It was announced today that Avram Grant was the manager caught in a brothel in December to add to Portsmouth’s problems. In his recent interviews he has tried to ignore questions about his future, while not denying a near future departure. There’s a lot of experience at the back which includes England goalkeeper David James and Champions League winner Steve Finnan. But they’re not dealing well with simple through balls and set pieces. Their height advantage does help them in the latter, but poor marking doesn’t. The likes of Michael Carrick and even Darron Gibson if he were to given a recall will enjoy playing against this Portsmouth defence. They can concentrate on Rooney all they want but I expect him to breach the defence at least once in this game. And if not there are other players that will if you don’t pay attention to them. It’s going to be a long game for Portsmouth and their travelling support and will only end with disappointment again this weekend.

Last 5 games
WWDLL

Injuries/Suspensions
Papa Bouba Diop
Michael Brown

You’re going to get little back from your money by backing Manchester United to win here, so try some of the specials or the asian handicap.

Best bet: Wayne Rooney to score anytime 4/7

Manchester United to win 1/8

Wayne Rooney to score 2 or more 11/4

Manchester United to win -2.5 6/5