Pompey ended the 2021/22 season with a damp squib defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. And they will be back there exactly three months later to get the new campaign underway on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The Owls were celebrating on that day at the end of April, with the win earning them a spot in the play-offs. Their joy was short-lived, however, with a dramatic two-legged defeat to Sunderland scuppering their hopes of reaching the Championship. A stoppage-time strike from Patrick Roberts in Yorkshire ensured it was the Black Cats who reached Wembley. It was the first time that the sides had been in the same division since Pompey romped to the second tier title in 2002/03. They triumphed 3-1 at Hillsborough that season, courtesy of Svetoslav Todorov’s brace and a goal for Gary O’Neil. It finished 0-0 at Fratton Park last term, with the hosts not able to capitalise on Massimo Luongo’s dismissal midway through the second half. TEAM NEWS There are nine new signings hoping to make their competitive Pompey debuts – although Marlon Pack did play a couple of games during his first spell at the club. Colby Bishop, Josh Griffiths, Michael Morrison, Josh Oluwayemi, Joe Pigott, Joe Rafferty, Dane Scarlett and Zak Swanson will all be hoping to feature. Sheffield Wednesday have also been busy over the summer, with former Blues striker Michael Smith among their signings. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 27 wins Sheffield Wednesday: 27 wins 15 draws At Hillsborough Pompey: 9 wins Sheffield Wednesday: 18 wins 8 draws TICKETS There will be a limited number of tickets available to buy (cash only) from the away turnstiles at Hillsborough on Saturday. Supporters collecting tickets should visit ‘Gate 6’, which is located next to the away turnstiles. Fans should note that strikes will affect several train operators on Saturday, so please check before you travel. OFFICIALS Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge Assistants: Oliver Bickle and Declan Ford Fourth Official: Scott Simpson MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday. Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary. BETTING Sheffield Wednesday are the 4/6 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 15/4.
Hi again Woopert''s!! I suppose Cowley will play 4,2 3,1. I do not think that works as the players do not have the technique at this level. For this fixture I would go 4, 5, 1 with the following line-up Griffiths Rafferty Morrison Robertson, Ogilvie Swanson Thompson Morrell Pack Hume Bishop
Hello Ides, that is a very defensive line up, with two right backs and two left backs playing! Apart from that, Joe Morrell is injured and out for a good few weeks. I think/hope that we will attack them, as no value in us sitting back inviting them to attack us. Who knows, eh!
1-1 now, with a goal from Conor Ogilvie. 50th minute. Marlon Pack does brilliantly to beat his man on the right and stand the ball up for Conor Ogilvie to guide home a fine header
2-1 now to Sheff Wed. with a goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru whose right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner from 25 yards out. 52nd minute.
