There are dramatic final days of the season – and then there is the way that Bristol Rovers secured promotion last term.
They needed to collect all three points back in May and enjoy a five-goal swing to pip Northampton to the final automatic spot.
It seemed unlikely with the Cobblers enjoying a 3-1 victory, only for the Gas to smash seven unanswered goals past already relegated Scunthorpe.
That ensured their stay in the basement level of English football would be limited to a single campaign.
Joey Barton’s men have made a mixed start to the current season, with two victories and two defeats – including Tuesday night’s reverse at Barnsley.
They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the first round after losing at League Two outfit Crawley.
Rovers have only ever won twice at Fratton Park and their most recent success came all the way back in 1975.
The last clash was a League One affair back in April 2021, with Ronan Curtis netting the only goal on the south coast.
TEAM NEWS
Denver Hume, Joe Morrell and skipper Clark Robertson have all returned to full training and could feature.
It leaves Jayden Reid (hamstring) as the only member of Danny Cowley’s squad currently in the treatment room.
John Marquis could feature against his former club after making a summer switch to Bristol Rovers from Lincoln.
The visitors are missing James Gibbons (foot), but Josh Grant is likely to be available after missing the midweek trip to Barnsley.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Josh Griffiths ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 24 wins
Bristol Rovers: 12 wins
10 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 16 wins
Bristol Rovers: 2 wins
4 draws
TICKETS
There is now extremely limited availability for Saturday’s game, so click here to secure your seat.
Please note that there are no train services to Portsmouth stations because of national rail strikes. Click here to read a full matchday guide.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Gavin Ward
Assistants: George Byrne and Greg Read
Fourth Official: Stuart Butler
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Paul Robinson 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.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM.
BETTING
Pompey are the 7/10 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 7/2.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
We are committed to playing our part in ensuring our relationship with VBET is promoted in the right way to our supporters.
That is why VBET has partnered with BettorMind, to provide responsible gambling advice around key betting behaviours.
When it comes to betting, we advise all fans to make use of our dedicated responsible gambling site.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 3pm
Barnsley v Wycombe
Bolton v Sheffield Wednesday
Burton v Port Vale
Charlton v Cambridge
Exeter v Cheltenham
Fleetwood v Derby
Forest Green v Plymouth
MK Dons v Accrington
Oxford v Morecambe
Peterborough v Lincoln
Shrewsbury v Ipswich
MEMORABLE MEETING
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