Pompey will be looking to make an instant return to winning ways when they visit Preston in the Championship on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The trip to Deepdale ends a mixed week that saw John Mousinho's men beat the side at the top of the table before losing to the one at the bottom. And it is the final fixture before domestic action pauses for a fortnight in order for international contests to take place. The Blues know that a victory in Lancashire would see them leapfrog their 15th-placed opponents in the standings. North End had a tumultuous start to the campaign, with boss Ryan Lowe leaving after the opening day defeat to Sheffield United. Paul Heckingbottom came in to replace him and has largely kept the side away from danger, as they look to extend their stay at this level into an 11th season. Preston are currently on a three-match winless run, though, which includes a midweek draw at promotion-chasing Sunderland. An early Good Friday goal from Jed Wallace was cancelled out by Keith Keane when the sides drew 1-1 in the last Deepdale meeting in March 2013. The contest at Fratton Park earlier in the current campaign was certainly a memorable one, as Colby Bishop came off the bench to make his first appearance since summer heart surgery. He went on to score from the spot and seal a 3-1 victory – Pompey's first home success of the season. TEAM NEWS Rob Atkinson (calf), Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Callum Lang (hamstring), Hayden Matthews (ankle), Christian Saydee (groin), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring) and Jordan Williams (hamstring) are all currently sidelined. Alexander Milošević is available after receiving international clearance at the start of the week, but is unlikely to feature as he builds towards full match fitness. Former Pompey defender Jack Whatmough is absent for the hosts with a calf problem, while Ali McCann (calf), Brad Potts (hamstring) are also out and there are doubts over Milutin Osmajić and Jordan Storey. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Regan Poole ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 23 wins Preston: 33 wins 25 draws On the Road Pompey: 5 wins Preston: 19 wins 15 draws Last Away Meeting Preston 1 (Keane) Pompey 1 (Wallace) League One March 29 2013 TICKETS Tickets are no longer available to buy from Pompey, with more than 3,500 already sold. They can, however, be purchased (cash or card) from the away ticket office at Deepdale's Bill Shankly Kop from 1pm on Saturday. Click here to read information on visiting Deepdale that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: Tony Harrington Assistants: Matthew Wilkes and Darren Williams Fourth Official: Will Finnie Harrington has not taken charge of a Pompey game since they drew 1-1 in League One match at Doncaster in March 2013 and kept his cards in his pocket that day. He has taken charge of 19 games so far this season, booking a total of 83 players and sending four for an early bath. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters based overseas can watch the game on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The pre-match show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video subscription/match pass. George Wedlake will be joined by Paul Hardyman and Paul Robinson in the Fratton Park studio. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions. Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen as always via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online). *Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.
Have to get up at around 7am (on a Saturday!) to catch my 8:27 train tomorrow Hopefully get into Preston around 11 so will give me time to indulge in some local culture and be a tourist before the game. First Portsmouth game since August 2023, don't even care about the result, just happy to see them
Thanks! Up a bit early, checked my phone and it was 10 to 7 so I figured I may as well get up now as 10-15 minutes sleep when I'm awake wouldn't make much difference.... It's gonna be a long day. Pictures forthcoming
For those travelling by motor vehicle the M6 around Preston has had five closures this week due to bad driving
Unfortunately most of my photos are above the 2mb limit, so here's one that isn't, one of the many historic buildings in Preston City centre.
If you ever find yourself in Preston, I recommend visiting Avenhan Park. It's really nice, and big and would be great in the summer I'm sure. Or even later in spring. Beginning my walk to the stadium now.
Preston North End Starting Line Up:- Number1, F. Woodman Number6, L. Lindsay Number19, L. Gibson Number2, R. Porteous Number3, J. Meghoma Number29, K. Kesler-Hayden Number10, M. Frøkjær-Jensen Number22, S. Þórðarson Number18, R. Ledson (c), Captain Number9, E. Riis Number7, W. Keane Substitutes Number26, P. Bauer Number11, R. Brady Number13, D. Cornell Number12, C. Evans Number20, S. Greenwood Number16, A. Hughes Number31, T. Mawene Number14, J. Storey Number4, B. Whiteman
Pompey have made three changes to the starting line up. Out go Marlon Pack, Zak Swanson and Matt Ritchie (who all drop to the bench), and in come Terry Devlin, Cohen Bramall and Kusini Yengi. Looks like Connor Ogilvie will play left side centre half, with Cohen Bramall at left back. PFC Head Coach John Mousinho is of course a former Preston player.
Terry Devlin right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Adil Aouchiche following a fast break. 19 minutes.
