Man Utd v Portsmouth preview

Mouth-watering clash at Old Trafford

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 7th March 2008

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Ronaldo: On fire

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Manchester United face Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Saturday with a semi-final place at Wembley next month up for grabs.

The lunchtime game, which is live on Sky Sports 1 from 12 noon, is the latest hurdle for the in-form champions who are chasing another historic Treble.

They go into Saturday's match unbeaten in five, scoring 14 times in that run of four victories and one draw.

Three of those goals came from the boot of star player Ronaldo, who is on fire this term with 30 strikes already.

He believes the Red Devils have a 'great chance' of progressing in the cup, which they have won on 11 previous occasions, making them the most successful side in the competition's history.

The Portuguese star told the club's official website: "Portsmouth are a strong team and always difficult to beat.

"But we are playing at home, and I think we have a great chance to go through to the semi finals."

No pushover

United beat Pompey in the fourth round of the competition last term but the visitors will be no pushover on Saturday, with the FA Cup presenting them with their only chance of silverware this term.

They lost 2-0 to United at Old Trafford in the league in January, but were missing players to the Africa Cup of Nations in that game.

One of those missing players, striker Kanu believes the team will be a different proposition now the full squad are back together

He told the club's official website: "The whole team is back together now and we have a full squad for the manager to choose from.

"It's a cup game and anything can happen. We believe we can go there and do something special."

Portsmouth have lost once in their last five, with the 3-1 defeat to Everton on Sunday following three wins and a draw since the United setback.

The south coast club have beaten Championship sides Preston, Plymouth and Ipswich to reach this stage of the competition, while United have disposed of Villa, Spurs and Arsenal.

Team news

Pedro Mendes returns to the Portsmouth squad after five weeks out following a minor ankle operation for the match.

Jermain Defoe is cup-tied so Kanu will start up front as the lone striker as Harry Redknapp reverts to his trusted 4-5-1 formation that has served Pompey well on their travels this season.

John Utaka will be recalled after being dropped to the bench for last weekend's 3-1 thrashing at European rivals Everton.

Long-term absentee Linvoy Primus (knee) and striker David Nugent (groin) will not travel to Old Trafford.

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has recovered from a calf strain and could face Portsmouth.

The club's longest-serving player has been forced to miss the last three matches because of the injury.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has a full strength squad to call on other than Gary Neville, Mikael Silvestre and goalkeeper Ben Foster, who are building up their fitness after long-term injuries.