Serbian centre back Nemanja Vidic is expected to make his long-awaited return in defence for Manchester United as they try to keep up the pressure on leaders Chelsea. Wayne Rooney will be itching to get his name on the scoresheet again having netted a hat-trick against Portsmouth earlier in the season while troubled bottom club Pompey - now in the hands of their fourth owners of the season - will attempt the seemingly impossible and bid for their first league win at Old Trafford in 53 years.

Quick Check

Manchester United

  • Defender Nemanja Vidic is hoping to finally return from injury.
  • England star Wayne Rooney has scored 13 goals in his last 11 league games.
  • Rooney has scored four goals in his last two appearances against Pompey including a hat-trick when the teams met in November.
  • Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have lost only one of their last 16 league fixtures at Old Trafford.
  • United have the last four meetings between the two sides.
  • Centre back Rio Ferdinand is unavailable as he serves the second game of a four-match ban.
  • Defender John O’Shea is expected to be out until at least March with a thigh problem.

Portsmouth

  • Avram Grant could give a full debut to new loan signing Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
  • Defender Ricardo Rocha is in line for his first appearance after joining on a free transfer.
  • Midfielders Michael Brown and Papa Bouba Diop are struggling to overcome back and hamstring problems.
  • Hermann Hreidarsson and Tommy Smith are also injury doubts.
  • Grant’s team has won only once away from home this season.
  • Pompey have won only one of their last eight league fixtures.
  • Portsmouth have not won in the league at Old Trafford since 1957.

Expert Advice

It has been another difficult week for Portsmouth and their problems on the pitch are unlikely to ease with their visit to Old Trafford to face defending champions Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has really hit form over the last month as they chase a record fourth successive Premier League crown and all the form points to a comfortable home win. England star Wayne Rooney will again be the fulcrum for the home team going forward and, while Rio Ferdinand is still suspended, Nemanja Vidic should finally return in the centre of defence. Avram Grant has been trying to strengthen his Portsmouth squad as they try to haul themselves out of trouble but key players have left in the last week and it’s hard to see anything but another three points for United, with Betsson’s odds of 2.26 for there to be over 3.5 goals appearing a value bet.

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