Manchester United vs Portsmouth Betting Tips

Manchester United and Portsmouth have only met once in the FA Cup since the early 1950s and that was in a 3rd round tie at Old Trafford in 2003 when the Red Devils dished out a 4-1 beating to their south coast rivals. If the bookies are to be believed - United are as short as 2/7 in the match result market whereas Pompey can be backed at a high of 9/1 - their 4th round clash at the Theatre Of Dreams on Saturday will be a similar scenario. However, while Portsmouth have failed to beat United in Manchester since 1957 - and were beaten 3-0 by Sir Alex's charges in a Premiership fixture at Old Trafford in November - I feel that the prices in question are a shade unfair on Pompey. I'm not saying that I think they'll win, but 9/1 looks pretty big, particularly as we are talking about a knockout cup tie. Portsmouth go into this match on the back of a dismal home defeat at the hands of Charlton in a Premiership fixture, but overall they have been most consistent this term, hence flying high in sixth place in the table. Getting into Europe is still a possibility for Harry Redknapp's men, and that will be their main aim, but the manager masterminded FA Cup victories over United with West Ham (2001) and Bournemouth (1984), and if he fails to repeat the dose on Saturday and won't be through the lack of trying. Naturally, United's main objective is maintaining their lead at the summit of the Premiership, something they will have the chance to do when entertaining tail-enders Watford four days later. But, with no fresh injury concerns, Sir Alex has plenty of options and I cannot envisage him resting too many key players. Indeed, the Scotsman will be lured by the waft of a potential domestic double, especially given that he has a clear chance to re-establish his side as the dominant force in the top-flight before his inevitable retirement which, although not necessarily in the immediate future, must be on the horizon. Furthermore, United have a rich tradition in this tournament having lifted the silverware on 11 occasions in their history. And the visitors from Hampshire will need to be on guard for the Red Devils suffered a dent to their pride last weekend when Arsenal overturned their one-goal lead to prevail at the Emirates. They will be in no mood to taste the sourness of defeat again so soon. Portsmouth, who triumphed in this competition for the only time in their history in 1939, will be without Dejan Stefanovich and new signing Lauren, but Neil Parmont could be back in the mix in time to make the squad at least. It will be interesting to see how Andy Cole fares on this return to a stadium where he enjoyed some of his best years. In essence, I believe that this game will be a lot closer than the betting indicates. I wouldn't be brave enough to predict a win for Portsmouth - tempting though the odds are for a speculative punt - but I am confident in predicting that this encounter will produced plenty of goals. As such, at 23/10 with VCbet, opting for 4-6 in the total goals market makes plenty of appeal. United average nearly 2.5 goals per game in the Premiership at Old Trafford this season, while Portsmouth have a ratio of around 1.5 per game on their travels. With this being a do-or-die cup tie as opposed to a tactical league clash, the chances of a large haul of goals is greatly increased. Verdict - 2.50pts 4-6 in the total goals market @ 23/10 (VCbet)