INJURY-free Manchester City are set to hear the words 'same again' from boss Kevin Keegan ahead of the Premiership home opener with Portsmouth.

Despite numerous options available to him, particularly in midfield and attack, the Blues boss will leave the starting XI untouched for the visit of Harry Redknapp's new boys.

Keegan is without the services of Dutch international Paul Bosvelt, who is serving the last of a two-match ban picked up while playing for Feyenoord, but otherwise can play a full hand against Pompey.

"I don't envisage there being many changes," declared Keegan.

That means Keegan will start with Nicolas Anelka and Robbie Fowler up front with Paulo Wanchope on the bench.

Although Fowler didn't get on the score sheet at Charlton last Sunday, the manager was impressed by the front two.

Hard work

"They worked incredibly hard for one another and for the team," he said.

"We scored three goals and created loads of chances. I thought that was Robbie's best game in a Manchester City shirt and if he continues to contribute like that then I don't mind waiting for the goals that will inevitably come along."

Keegan believes one of Fowler's former England teammates Teddy Sheringham is the player they will have watch most closely tomorrow.

"You just have to have to the utmost respect for the man. He knows the game inside out and has kept himself in great shape," praised the City chief.

"He is a fit boy. We know he is going to be a threat whether from set pieces or open play.

"Teddy's mind, alertness and football brain are still first class. His birth certificate tells you that he is getting on a bit but because of the way he has looked after himself and the knowledge that he has compiled in that computer in his head. He is a huge threat."

City's same again policy means that playmaker Eyal Berkovic will be on the bench against the side that have made no secret that they would like to sign him.

Berkovic, who handed in a transfer request earlier in pre-season but who has since indicated that he would like to stay, faces a test of his patience and temperament while waiting for his opportunity to stake a claim.

Key Battle: Sylvain Distin v Teddy Sheringham

If Pompey are to survive in the Premiership they'll have to rely heavily on the experience of Teddy Sheringham. The veteran striker scored against Villa last week to get his team off to a winning start, but he's sure to find the Blues a tougher prospect. Alpay was abject in his attempts to stop Sheringham last week, but there will be no such charity from Distin. The French defender is relishing in his new role as captain and he'll know that stopping Sheringham will go a long way towards stopping Pompey.

Last season: Different divisions

Prediction: Manchester City 2 Portsmouth 1

BETFRED

Match result: City 4/6; dra 12/5; Pompey 7/2

Correct score (City to win)

1-0 11/2
2-0 15/2
2-1 8/1
3-0 14/1
3-1 12/1
3-2 22/1

First/Last scorer:

Anelka 4/1
Fowler 5/1
Wanchope 11/2
Macken 13/2
Sibierski15/2
Sinclair 10/1
Berkovic 12/1
Wright- Phillips 12/1

Scorecast:

Anelka & Man City 2-0 25/1
Fowler & Man City 3-1 40/1
Sinclair & Man City 3-0 100/1

Others odds available on request. Prices subject to fluctuation. Ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

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