Many United supporters are stating that the 2-0 victory over Arsenal last Sunday will be a turning point in the clubs fortunes and propel us back to Championship challengers. However, the 3 points that ended the North Londoners unbeaten run of 49 Football League games will mean little unless United can get victory against Portsmouth at Fratton Park this coming Saturday.

It's one of the most awkward trips in the division for United fans, and there are know fond memories from last seasons with midfielder Steve Stone netting the only goal to give Portsmouth a vital three points as they staved off a quick return to England's second flight. A repeat performance from the F.A Cup holders would be unthinkable after Arsenal's run was halted at Old Trafford.

Away wins are not something we should ever demand, but expectation must now be high and Sir Alex Ferguson needs to lead the Red Devils on a winning run if we are to build on that memorable three points last weekend. United still sit 8 points behind the league leaders and although it is early days, cannot afford to fall any further behind if a challenge is to be mounted.

If Portsmouth are to dent United's title hopes next weekend they will need to break down a defence that has been fantastic in recent weeks. The victory at Crewe in the League Cup saw a resolute back four keep a fourth successive clean sheet, and though the strike force that was assembled so expensively looks our greatest threat on paper, United's backline could be the benchmark for success.

It is the defence that sees one of the biggest question marks over team selection. Roy Carroll, in my opinion, should stay between the sticks for the Premiership encounter but Tim Howard has a shout after a solid display against Crewe, although the American acted as a pedestrian at times. Ulsterman Carroll has done excellently well since coming into the team with some great saves against Sparta Prague and Arsenal.

Skipper Roy Keane is penciled in to return from a flu virus that has been keeping the Irish international midfielder out of action for several key games. Alan Smith may be rewarded with a starting place whilst Ruud van Nistelrooy commences his 3-match ban for violent conduct on Ashley Cole.

Harry Redknapp will welcome back his captain, Arjan de Zeeuw. However, Eyal Berkovic will is definitely ruled out.

One to Watch: Diomansy Kamara - The skilful Senegalese striker will pose a potent threat on goal and the defence will have to be tight to stop Kamara sneaking through. Kamara has a tendency to remove his shirt when he scores, removing his shirt and getting booked on the last 2 occasions he scored. Harry Redknapp think he may do it again, quipping: ''If he scores against Man United, he might be too excited to keep it on,''

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