Fitness checks on Pompey duo

New skipper Sol Campbell and Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes must pass fitness checks on groin injuries ahead of Portsmouth’s home clash with champions Manchester United.

Linvoy Primus (knee) is still out and Andy O’Brien is set to join Bolton.

Midfielder Gary O’Neil is recovering from ankle trouble following summer surgery but could challenge Sean Davis for a central midfield role or play on the wing – allowing new £7m signing John Utaka to move up front.

Kanu is hoping for promotion from substitute to start alongside his Nigeria team-mate Utaka and it may be the turn of David Nugent and Benjani Mwaruwari to take places on the bench if manager Harry Redknapp opts for a striker-rotation policy.

Team from: James, Lauren, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, O’Neil, Pedro Mendes, Davis, Muntari, Kanu, Utaka, Nugent, Benjani, Hughes, Traore, Pamarot, Stefanovic, Traore, Ashdown.