Portsmouth against Manchester United

GOAL: PORTSMOUTH 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

United have kept their patience and stuck with their passing and moving attacks. But Pompey are defending resolutely and frustrating the visitors.

Ronaldo decides to take the initiative on himself and streaks through the Pompey defence and unleashes a low drive that James does well to watch and drop low to gather.

Neat back-heel from LuaLua tees up Kranjcar but the midfielder snatches at his effort and drags it harmlessly wide.

Harry Redknapp brings on Nico Kranjcar for Kanu to bolster the midfield, leaving just one up front.

At the other end Ronaldo flashes an effort wide ofthe near post after a typically jinking run inside the box.

Tireless running from Pompey's front two has swung the balance somewhat and Pompey begin to sense something special.

The home side are chasing down their opponents and working hard to limit United's attacks and they're making a good job of it. How long can they survive? Or could they sneak another?

United bring on Alan Smith for Carrick in their last attempt to change fortunes in front of goal.

Portsmouth have certainly quelled the pressure that was beginning to mount. They needed to change things and they have responded well to the questions asked by United's forwards.

From the resulting corner Taylor hits a wonderful low strike through a cluster of United shirts but straight into the keeper's arms.

Moment of relief for Pompey as Brown is called in to make an important interception from O'Neill as he was lining up a close-range shot.

As you'd expect Portsmouth are camped on the edge of their own area and inviting pressure on their goal. It's one-way traffic at the moment.

Portsmouth are nibbling away at the other end and Stefanovic blazes a header over from a corner.

Sensational tackle from Primus on Rooney to deny the striker a clear strike on goal. Rooney protests it was an unfair challenge, but replays show Primus timed his tackle perfectly.

Fergie is chewing vigourously in the dugout and checking his magic watch to see how long they have left to score.

A change for Portsmouth as Benjani makes way for LuaLua. He's worked tirelessly and receives a warm applause from the home faithful.

Phenomenal save from van der Sar keeps United in the game. Richard Hughes stabs Taylor's cross goalwards and somehow the Dutch keeper claws out the effort.

The pressure on Portsmouth's goal is intense. The fans are cheering every mistake from United but they need their players to keep the ball and relieve this onslaught if they are to have any chance of surviving.

Portsmouth can't get out of their own half and Carrick is the latest to see his effort miss. He dragged his half-volley wide after Solskjaer's knock-down.

From the corner, Wes Brown rises unmarked and heads goalwards but James is perfectly placed to catch the chance.

Giggs then fires a cracking drive from 25 yards that James again does well to tip over the bar. Stunning goalkeeping.

Somehow Portsmouth stay ahead thanks to David James. An almighty goalscramble brings shots from Ronaldo and Giggs, but James is twice on hand to repel the danger.

Another change for United and unsurprisingly Solskjaer comes on for Fletcher.

Portsmouth aren't doing themselves any favours in defence, though. It looks all too desperate and rushed at the moment and the ball is coming straight back at them.

Portsmouth enjoy a minute or two of possession with Taylor providing two teasing crosses from the left. United survive and look to get back on track.

Kanu hits a shot out of nowhere that brings the exact same kind of save from that of Benjani's effort earlier. It was a replica parry but this time there's no-one in close proximity to follow up.

The fantastic atmosphere has never ceased and the Pompey fans are in full voice again. There's a long way to go but they can enjoy their moment while it lasts.

A few silly and needless mistakes from Manchester United stunts their progress slightly. But surely it won't be too long before they cut those out.

It's all United at the moment. Every time Portsmouth get out of their own half, they are quickly hurried into conceeding possession. They'll need to keep the ball better than this to keep United out.

As expected, much of the United play is going through Ronaldo again. And United's pace and urgency is far more intense this half. They must have had the hairdryer treatment at half-time.

Portsmouth survive a scare inside the first minute as Rooney is adjuged to have been offside. He rattled the ball in the back of the net but the whistle had gone.

The players emerge for the second half with Ryan Giggs introduced in place of Kieron Richardson. Will his prescense provide the breakthrough.

Portsmouth make it to the break with their 1-0 lead intact. They've worked hard for their lead and took advantage of slack defending and keeping to move ahead. But United look dangerous on the break and will look to build on their increased spell of pressure in the second half.

HALF-TIME: PORTSMOUTH 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Frantic finish to the half and van der Sar makes a crucial save to keep the scoreline to 1-0. Taylor nipped in ahead of Brown after the defender had slipped, but his chipped effort failed to clear the keeper's arm.

Pressure on the Pompey goal in the dying minutes with two corners in quick succession. But the blues shirts clear the danger and waste away a few precious seconds.

Kanu is fuming! O'Neil had the chance to play him in but opted for going for glory himself and in doing so hits a tame effort straight at the keeper.

Primus wins a header from Taylor's deep corner. A decent effort that he just failed to keep down and it sails over the bar.

United are starting to stretch Portsmouth now. The game is very open and that will suit Manchester United who are applying the pressure.

Portsmouth will kick themselves if they concede from a set-piece. They have given United plenty of chances to have a go but have survived thus far.

Another foul and this time Lauren has is name taken by the ref. He can have no complaints mind, that's at least his third offence.

Darren Fletcher is presented with a decent chance to pull one back for United. Rooney played him in with a neat reverse pass but the Scot stretched at it and hit straight at James.

Kanu and Benjani are causing their markers Brown and Ferdinand a few problems - particularly with headers and loose balls. They may not be the most pleasing on the eye, but they are having a positive effect on matters up front.

Portsmouth haven't created too much but they have that important first goal. United have been restricted to ambitious efforts from range so far.

Michael Carrick wastes a glorious chance to respond immediately. He drifted in from the right and swung his left boot at it and pulled it narrowly wide. Good chance.

Wonderful finishing from MATTHEW TAYLOR hands the home sides an unlikely lead. Benjani cracked an effort straight at van der Sar but the Dutchman spilt the effort with Taylor sneaking in ahead of Ferdinand to squeeze in the opener.

GOAL: PORTSMOUTH 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Portsmouth are certainly trying to rough-up their opponents. It's not having too much affect though as United start to look more and more dangerous.

Play is breaking up constantly at the moment with most of the free-kicks going to Manchester United. It's allowing them to take control of possession.

Kieron Richardson blasts a half-chance over the bar from a Ronaldo pass. He perhaps should have done better as it fell nicely on his favoured left foot.

United will not want to put any more pressure on themselves with a defeat or draw at Fratton Park. So far it's pretty even with Ronaldo the closest to scoring.

Nasty facial injury to Matthew Taylor after Heinze clatters him in with a trailing arm after an aerial challenge.

United slowly starting to get forward and wrestle back some of the possession. The home fans still singing loudly and proudly despite the lack of goalmouth action.

Big decision for the ref to make and he gets it spot on. Wayne Rooney latches on to a loose ball inside the box tempting Linvoy Primus into a lunging slide tackle. Luckily he times it right and makes contact with the ball.

United having to work extremely hard in defence with 21% of play in the United half.

Pompey have started brightly, but look vulnerable when they throw numbers forward. They've been caught a couple of times already - particularly by Ronaldo's pace.

Two chances in as many minutes from the winger. This time he embarks on a trademark jinking run from the left flank before cutting in on his right foot and firing in an effort to the near post. Fortunately for the stranded James, it zips inches wide.

Ronaldo has his first chance to stamp his quality on the game with a free-kick from 30 yards. He hits it with venom but it drifts harmlessly wide.

Van der Sar is called into action for the first time as he comes out to gather a Kanu backward header.

No chances yet, but Portsmouth have tested the United defence with some teasing crosses.

Pompey make an encouraging start, spurred on by their enthusiastic support they enjoy a welcome spell of possession early doors.

Kieron Richardson is given a surprise start for Manchester United this afternoon. He replaces Giggs while Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney are playing just of Cristiano Ronaldo up front.

The sunshine is strong and bright and it may just cause David James a few problems in the air. There's no cap on the keeper's barnet so he'll be squinting for much of this half.

The home fans are roaring inside the stadium and it's making for a crackign atmosphere. Pompey enjoy a decent spell of passing in the opening minutes.

Chelsea have cut the gap at the top of the Premiership to just three points after a 1-0 win at home to Tottenham. How will United respond?

The teams are ready and we're under way at Fratton Park.

Fergie is chewing vigourously in the dugout and checking his magic watch to see how long they have left to score.

A change for Portsmouth as Benjani makes way for LuaLua. He's worked tirelessly and receives a warm applause from the home faithful.

Phenomenal save from van der Sar keeps United in the game. Richard Hughes stabs Taylor's cross goalwards and somehow the Dutch keeper claws out the effort.

The pressure on Portsmouth's goal is intense. The fans are cheering every mistake from United but they need their players to keep the ball and relieve this onslaught if they are to have any chance of surviving.

Portsmouth can't get out of their own half and Carrick is the latest to see his effort miss. He dragged his half-volley wide after Solskjaer's knock-down.

From the corner, Wes Brown rises unmarked and heads goalwards but James is perfectly placed to catch the chance.

Giggs then fires a cracking drive from 25 yards that James again does well to tip over the bar. Stunning goalkeeping.

Somehow Portsmouth stay ahead thanks to David James. An almighty goalscramble brings shots from Ronaldo and Giggs, but James is twice on hand to repel the danger.

Another change for United and unsurprisingly Solskjaer comes on for Fletcher.

Portsmouth aren't doing themselves any favours in defence, though. It looks all too desperate and rushed at the moment and the ball is coming straight back at them.

Portsmouth enjoy a minute or two of possession with Taylor providing two teasing crosses from the left. United survive and look to get back on track.

Kanu hits a shot out of nowhere that brings the exact same kind of save from that of Benjani's effort earlier. It was a replica parry but this time there's no-one in close proximity to follow up.

The fantastic atmosphere has never ceased and the Pompey fans are in full voice again. There's a long way to go but they can enjoy their moment while it lasts.

A few silly and needless mistakes from Manchester United stunts their progress slightly. But surely it won't be too long before they cut those out.

It's all United at the moment. Every time Portsmouth get out of their own half, they are quickly hurried into conceeding possession. They'll need to keep the ball better than this to keep United out.

As expected, much of the United play is going through Ronaldo again. And United's pace and urgency is far more intense this half. They must have had the hairdryer treatment at half-time.

Portsmouth survive a scare inside the first minute as Rooney is adjuged to have been offside. He rattled the ball in the back of the net but the whistle had gone.

The players emerge for the second half with Ryan Giggs introduced in place of Kieron Richardson. Will his prescense provide the breakthrough.

Portsmouth make it to the break with their 1-0 lead intact. They've worked hard for their lead and took advantage of slack defending and keeping to move ahead. But United look dangerous on the break and will look to build on their increased spell of pressure in the second half.

HALF-TIME: PORTSMOUTH 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Frantic finish to the half and van der Sar makes a crucial save to keep the scoreline to 1-0. Taylor nipped in ahead of Brown after the defender had slipped, but his chipped effort failed to clear the keeper's arm.

Pressure on the Pompey goal in the dying minutes with two corners in quick succession. But the blues shirts clear the danger and waste away a few precious seconds.

Kanu is fuming! O'Neil had the chance to play him in but opted for going for glory himself and in doing so hits a tame effort straight at the keeper.

Primus wins a header from Taylor's deep corner. A decent effort that he just failed to keep down and it sails over the bar.

United are starting to stretch Portsmouth now. The game is very open and that will suit Manchester United who are applying the pressure.

Portsmouth will kick themselves if they concede from a set-piece. They have given United plenty of chances to have a go but have survived thus far.

Another foul and this time Lauren has is name taken by the ref. He can have no complaints mind, that's at least his third offence.

Darren Fletcher is presented with a decent chance to pull one back for United. Rooney played him in with a neat reverse pass but the Scot stretched at it and hit straight at James.

Kanu and Benjani are causing their markers Brown and Ferdinand a few problems - particularly with headers and loose balls. They may not be the most pleasing on the eye, but they are having a positive effect on matters up front.

Portsmouth haven't created too much but they have that important first goal. United have been restricted to ambitious efforts from range so far.

Michael Carrick wastes a glorious chance to respond immediately. He drifted in from the right and swung his left boot at it and pulled it narrowly wide. Good chance.

Wonderful finishing from MATTHEW TAYLOR hands the home sides an unlikely lead. Benjani cracked an effort straight at van der Sar but the Dutchman spilt the effort with Taylor sneaking in ahead of Ferdinand to squeeze in the opener.

GOAL: PORTSMOUTH 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Portsmouth are certainly trying to rough-up their opponents. It's not having too much affect though as United start to look more and more dangerous.

Play is breaking up constantly at the moment with most of the free-kicks going to Manchester United. It's allowing them to take control of possession.

Kieron Richardson blasts a half-chance over the bar from a Ronaldo pass. He perhaps should have done better as it fell nicely on his favoured left foot.

United will not want to put any more pressure on themselves with a defeat or draw at Fratton Park. So far it's pretty even with Ronaldo the closest to scoring.

Nasty facial injury to Matthew Taylor after Heinze clatters him in with a trailing arm after an aerial challenge.

United slowly starting to get forward and wrestle back some of the possession. The home fans still singing loudly and proudly despite the lack of goalmouth action.

Big decision for the ref to make and he gets it spot on. Wayne Rooney latches on to a loose ball inside the box tempting Linvoy Primus into a lunging slide tackle. Luckily he times it right and makes contact with the ball.

United having to work extremely hard in defence with 21% of play in the United half.

Pompey have started brightly, but look vulnerable when they throw numbers forward. They've been caught a couple of times already - particularly by Ronaldo's pace.

Two chances in as many minutes from the winger. This time he embarks on a trademark jinking run from the left flank before cutting in on his right foot and firing in an effort to the near post. Fortunately for the stranded James, it zips inches wide.

Ronaldo has his first chance to stamp his quality on the game with a free-kick from 30 yards. He hits it with venom but it drifts harmlessly wide.

Van der Sar is called into action for the first time as he comes out to gather a Kanu backward header.

No chances yet, but Portsmouth have tested the United defence with some teasing crosses.

Pompey make an encouraging start, spurred on by their enthusiastic support they enjoy a welcome spell of possession early doors.

Kieron Richardson is given a surprise start for Manchester United this afternoon. He replaces Giggs while Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney are playing just of Cristiano Ronaldo up front.

The sunshine is strong and bright and it may just cause David James a few problems in the air. There's no cap on the keeper's barnet so he'll be squinting for much of this half.

The home fans are roaring inside the stadium and it's making for a crackign atmosphere. Pompey enjoy a decent spell of passing in the opening minutes.

Chelsea have cut the gap at the top of the Premiership to just three points after a 1-0 win at home to Tottenham. How will United respond?

The teams are ready and we're under way at Fratton Park.