It is a return to league action for Pompey this weekend following Wednesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy exertions.
Walsall are the visitors for a clash between the sides sitting 11th and 12th in the embryonic third tier table.
They have also won one and lost one of their opening two fixtures and are above the Blues on goal difference.
Jon Whitney’s side were beaten 1-0 at Bury on the opening day and then – following a Carabao Cup exit at Sheffield United – were 2-1 victors over Oldham last Saturday.
But they had to battle from behind, with Erhun Oztumer grabbing a last-gasp winner after Joe Edwards cancelled out Ryan McLaughlin’s opener.
Walsall are currently in their 11th successive League One campaign and reached the play-offs in 2016.
But they were nearer the relegation places than the top six last term and seven players were released in a May clear-out.
It was the Saddlers who came out on top in both encounters when the sides last shared a division in 2012/13.
The Blues hold the better overall record, however, and the Fratton faithful will want to see that extended on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
Milan Lalkovic could feature after recovering from the ankle injury that has kept him out for the past fortnight.
Nathan Thompson is back in training, but the game comes too soon for him, while Matt Clarke (groin) is still sidelined.
Jamal Lowe – who was able to feature in the Checkatrade Trophy during the week – completes his three-match ban.
Former Blues trainee Florent Cuvelier is available for the visitors, having missed their last match through illness.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett and Kal Naismith have to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below pre-match video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 10 Wins
Walsall: 7 Wins
8 Draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 7 Wins
Walsall: 3 Wins
3 Draws
TICKETS
Fans can click here to secure their seat online. Please note that ticket prices increase if bought on the day of the game. Click here for a full list of prices.
The Frogmore Road ticket office will be open from 10am for sales and upgrades, while collections can be made from the booths behind the Fratton End.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live coverage of Saturday’s game by signing into their account and visiting the match centre.
Overseas susbcribers can watch the match live by following the same instructions.
Click here for more information about subscribing to iFollow and click here for information on downloading the app so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will also have match updates on Twitter and the match centre.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent, while The News will also have extensive coverage.
REMAIN VIGILANT
Pompey have been working closely with the police and the EFL over the summer to review security at club stadiums, with stadium managers having been briefed by counter terrorism police.
It is vital that everyone – players, staff and supporters – remain vigilant and report any concerns to stewards or police.
Attacks might be rare, and it is unlikely that supporters will be caught up in one, nonetheless the message is #ActionCountersTerrorism.
To help keep yourself and others safe, you should:
- Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks
- Minimise what you carry – fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground
- Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away
- If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999
- In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them
- If told to evacuate, you should do so immediately – do not wait around to film events on your mobile
- Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles
- Once safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates
BETTING
Pompey are 7/10 favourites with Sky Bet to collect all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 17/4.
Click here to read our full betting guide and sign-up at www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers and promotions.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Bradford v Blackburn
Bury v Bristol Rovers
Charlton v Northampton
Doncaster v Blackpool
Fleetwood v AFC Wimbledon
MK Dons v Gillingham
Oldham v Wigan
Peterborough v Rotherham
Scunthorpe v Oxford
Shrewsbury v Rochdale
Southend v Plymouth
LAST GAME AT FRATTON PARK
key moments
Updated at (UK)
Commentary to begin soon
There are currently no key moments to display.
Are you sure you want to delete this event?
Delete Cancel