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Manchester United will have the perfect opportunity on Saturday to return to the top of the Barclay's Premier League when they host Portsmouth, the Barclay's Premier League's bottom club. United have overcome their rocky start to the New Year by winning four of their last six matches in all competitions and have not lost a Premier League match since a 3-0 defeat against Fulham on Saturday 19 December. Portsmouth meanwhile have not won a Premier League match since that same weekend when they defeated Liverpool 2-0, losing four of their last five league fixtures. Kickoff between the two is set for 15:00 local time at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.

Manchester United prevailed 3-1 in their top of the table clash last weekend with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Red Devils outclassed the Gunners from start to finish with Nani and Wayne Rooney powering the United attack. A cross from Nani in the 33rd minute was deflected into the Arsenal goal by Manuel Almunia, putting United in front 1-0. Moments later Rooney doubled United's lead with a 37th minute goal. Ji-Sung Park lead a United break early in the second half, and deciding to keep the ball himself instead of passing to Rooney or Nani, he calmly slotted home the Red Devils' third goal in the 52nd minute. Thomas Vermaelen would pull one back for Arsenal in the 80th minute, but it would prove to be merely a consolation goal as United won 3-1. Portsmouth faced Fulham on Wednesday at Craven Cottage with a chance to move within two points of 19th place Burnley. The match appeared headed for a draw as neither side created many quality chances. Jonathan Greening scored his first goal for Fulham in the 74th minute as he tapped in a Damien Duff cross to increase Portsmouth's misery, handing Pompey a 1-0 defeat.

Portsmouth’s crisis season got worse on Thursday as the club changed ownership again this season, now under the guidance of their fourth owner since the season began. Hong Kong-based businessman Balram Chainrai took over the controlling stake in the south coast from Ali Al Faraj. Chainrai loaned Al Faraj £17 million with a clause in their agreement that he would assume 90% of the shares in the club if Al Faraj failed to make loan repayments to him. Chainrai is reportedly not interested in owning the club for the long term, but rather has taken over 90% control in an attempt to financially stabilise the club and sell it on to other owners. Chainrai has also recently loaned the club another £15 to £20 million. Chainrai made his move to take controlling interest to protect his investment. With Portsmouth facing a winding-up order from HM Revenue & Customs, Chainrai would have lost all the money he invested if the club floundered and entered liquidation.

Both clubs will be looking to take maximum points from Saturday's encounter. Manchester United have the opportunity to take first place away from Chelsea, at least temporarily with the Blues not playing until Sunday. Portsmouth's woes could be set aside, if only for a few hours, if they could shock United and steal a victory at Old Trafford. Even a draw would provide Pompey with a huge morale boost.