We are barely out of the starting blocks, but the Championhip action will pause for an international break following Saturday's contest with Preston at Fratton Park (3pm kick-off). And John Mousinho would love his side to enter that hiatus with their first home victory of the campaign, having collected four points from their opening three fixtures. Their next opponents were predicted by some to be in for a struggle after only securing their status in the second tier on the final day of last term. A disastrous run saw them win just one of their final 15 matches – a narrow success against the Blues at Deepdale – to tumble down the table. But North End have made an excellent start to the current season, with a 1-1 draw at QPR followed by victories over promotion favourites Leicester and Ipswich. A Milutin Osmajić penalty was enough to see off the Tractor Boys on home soil last Saturday and the Montenegro international has already struck three times in total. However, the Montenegro international – who has been linked with a move away from the club before the transfer window closes on Monday – did go off injured in the midweek Carabao Cup loss to Wrexham. It was a memorable occasion when Pompey last hosted Preston nine months ago, as Colby Bishop marked his return from heart surgery by coming off the bench and scoring a late penalty to wrap up a 3-1 win. TEAM NEWS Pompey will be without Harvey Blair (hamstring), Callum Lang (hamstring) and Marlon Pack (knee), although defender Josh Knight could make his debut. The visitors are currently missing Robbie Brady (calf), Will Keane (calf), Brad Potts (hamstring) and Jordan Thompson (ankle), while Milutin Osmajić (rib) is a doubt. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Andre Dozzell ahead of the big game. please log in to view this image HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 23 wins Preston: 34 wins 25 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 18 wins Preston: 14 wins 10 draws Last Home Meeting Pompey 3 (Murphy, Ogilvie, Bishop) Preston 1 (Riis) Championship November 9 2024 TICKETS There are a few tickets still available, so secure one now before they are all gone. Meanwhile, the ticket exchange remains open until two hours before kick-off. Click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground ahead of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Tony Harrington Assistants: Marc Perry and Craig Taylor Fourth Official: Craig Hicks Harrington last took charge of Pompey when they were beaten 2-1 at Deepdale back in March, showing a red card to Preston's Sam Greenwood late on. He has been in the middle for three games so far this season, booking 10 playrs and sending off Waford's Imran Louza. MATCH COVERAGE Overseas fans can watch all the action live on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. George Wedlake will be joined by skipper Marlon Pack and Paul Hardyman in the Fratton Park studio, with an appearance from Pompey Women head coach Jay Sadler. 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 Mark Kelly 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.
Pompey announce an unchanged starting line up, with new signing Josh Knight on the bench replacing Ibane Bowat. Preston name ex-Pompey striker Michael Smith in their starting line up.
Colby Bishop goes down in the box after a challenge from Hughes, from a Josh Murphy cross . 13 minutes.
John Swift's right footed shot from 30 yards out is just a bit too high from a direct free kick. 14 minutes.
Josh Murphy's corner is expertly brought down by Adrian Segecic, but his shot is blocked. 21 minutes.
Andrew Hughes shoves his hand in Adrian Segecic's face just outside the box and is shown a yellow card. 34 minutes.
Adrian Segecic left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Josh Murphy. 35 minutes.
Colby Bishop right footed shot from very close range is saved in the bottom left corner by Daniel Iversen . Assisted by Josh Murphy with a cross. 41 minutes.
1-0 up, with a 41st minute goal from Andre Dozzell. The corner is played short to John Swift, who lays it off for Andre Dozzell and his shot takes a nick off a Preston player to beat Iversen.
Half time whistle. 1-0 to Pompey. Preston started the match well, but Pompey improved, and took control of the game.
