Czech Republic striker Milan Baros is set for his Portsmouth debut at Manchester United after signing on loan from Lyon.
Skipper Sol Campbell should return following a back injury to bolster the defence.
Baros looks certain to start after David Nugent flew to Germany for a hernia operation later this week, leaving Pompey with just one other available forward in Benjani Mwaruwari, who is troubled by a neck and shoulder injury, but is expected to play.
Sean Davis, who made his comeback as a substitute from a month-long absence with a foot injury last Saturday in the FA Cup win over Plymouth, is pressing for a starting role.
Noe Pamarot and Lauren could miss out.
Team (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Davis, Diarra, Mendes, Kranjcar, Benjani, Baros, Pamarot, Lauren, Hughes, Aubey, Mvuemba, Songo’o, Begovic.