The Portsmouth boss believes his side have already played the likely top two finishers in their first two fixtures.

So far, the south coast side have lost 4-0 at Chelsea and now 1-0 at home to Manchester United and Redknapp thinks they will again be the clubs for the rest to beat.

He said: "I think the two teams we have already played will probably contest the title.

"I think Manchester United will end up with Dimitar Berbatov and he will make a big difference - although they already have a lot of quality players.

"But Chelsea are very strong too. They have always got options and players who move and change positions so that the man on the ball always has three or four to pass to.

"Liverpool have got £50million of strikers and will be right up there and Arsenal have some top players too.

"But I would certainly fancy United and Chelsea to be the top two again. It is just unfortunate we have started against both of them!"

United were fairly comfortable winners at Fratton Park thanks to a Darren Fletcher goal which saw Sylvain Distin get the final touch.

sorted out

The champions won with something to spare, seeing the game out with an efficient display of possession football driven by the evergreen Paul Scholes.

Portsmouth's best efforts came from long range but Redknapp is refusing to panic at the lack of points and goals so far and remains confident his side will soon gel into a force to be reckoned with.

He added: "We have not scored in three game but two of those have been against United and the other against Chelsea.

"I was happy with the first half against United, I thought it was an even game. But I just felt we ran out of steam a bit in the second half.

"We took a chance with four players who had not played a lot recently but once we get things sorted out and understand each other then we will be a good team again this year."