Fletcher strikes again and United travel back from the South Coast with the three points and a clean sheet. Here’s the notes on last night’s game…
Portsmouth 0 Man United 1
A deflected goal from Darrren Fletcher – his second of the season (I really should have listened to that Saturday morning inkling) was enough to hand United the points in a hard-fought encounter at Fratton Park.
Ferguson made a couple of changes to the side that took the field against Newcastle with the return of Tevez the most significant. He partner Rooney up front while O’Shea replaced the injured Carrick in midfield and Anderson came in for Giggs in a free role.
Scholes, Tevez and Rooney all stood out for United last night while Fletcher’s recent goal exploits will doubtless have some fantasy managers looking his way. However, United do of course miss the next gameweek due to their Super Cup fixture on Friday. They then face trips to both Anfield and Stamford Bridge so, while there is clearly huge fantasy value amongst the United ranks, we can safely put them to one side for the time being at least. There will be far more favourable times to ship in the United defence and the likes of Rooney and Tevez.
For Portsmouth, Redknapp kept faith with Kaboul but shifted him to a more customary centre back role alongside Campbell, deploying Distin out on the left replacing Hreidarsson. New loan signing Traore came in on the left of midfield as expected, while Davis returned to fitness and took a central midfield berth.
As I’ve previously mentioned, Traore could offer value when Pompey’s fixtures improve, particularly if he is employed in a left midfield role while Kranjcar remains sidelined. By the sound of things, Redknapp could be without the Croatian throughout September. Traore looked lively, as did Thomas who replaced him in the second half. It’s clear then that Traore’s position in the side is not yet decided or his place assured.
Portsmouth are floundering at the foot of the table as a result of games against Chelsea and United. They have also lost their last six Premiership matches if you look to last season’s form. A trip to Goodison at the weekend is far from easy but following that, things ease considerably. Once the Everton trip is out of the way I’d expect interest to start increasing in the likes of Crouch and Defoe who should offer value over the season once Pompey’s form picks up.