All you need to know about League Two clash
It was 12 weeks ago when Pompey fans despondently sloped away from Home Park after witnessing a last-gasp play-off defeat at Plymouth.
But now there is a renewed sense of optimism with the start of the 2016/17 campaign just hours away.
Paul Cook’s side will start their bid to climb out of the fourth tier by hosting Carlisle on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Both sides are likely to unleash a host of new faces, having been busy in the transfer market over the summer.
Arguably the visitors’ most impressive captures have been wingers Nicky Adams and Jamie Devitt, who arrived from Northampton and Morecambe respectively.
United supporters will be hoping the duo can inspire a promotion push, having finished in 10th spot last term.
The Cumbrian outfit have not won at Fratton Park since 1984 and took just a single point off Pompey last term.
A last-gasp stunner from Danny Grainger secured a draw at Brunton Park, before Michael Smith scored the only goal in the return fixture.
TEAM NEWS
Jack Whatmough could feature after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Adam Barton and Gareth Evans have also returned to training.
Matt Clarke (groin), Ben Close (hamstring) and Brandon Haunstrup (collarbone) are all sidelined for the Blues.
Shaun Brisley (ankle) and Jabo Ibehre (knee) are both doubts for Keith Curle’s visitors.
QUOTES
Read what Paul Cook had to say about Saturday’s game, while there are also interviews with recent signings Noel Hunt and Adam Buxton.
You can also watch the trio speak to Pompey PlayerHD.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 16 Wins
Carlisle: 13 Wins
10 Draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 13 Wins
Carlisle: 3 Wins
3 Draws
TICKETS
The Fratton End ticket booths will be open from 11am on Saturday, with the ticket office only open for enquiries.
MATCH COVERAGE
Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live commentary from Fratton Park from 2pm on Saturday.
We’ll also have match updates on Twitter and the Pompey Wall.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, Pompey PlayerHD 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.
BETTING
Pompey are 4/5 favourites with Sky Bet to claim all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 100/30.
Click here to read our full betting preview and sign-up to www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers.
ALSO IN LEAGUE TWO
Accrington v Doncaster
Blackpool v Exeter
Cambridge v Barnet
Cheltenham v Leyton Orient
Crawley v Wycombe
Grimsby v Morecambe
Hartlepool v Colchester
Newport v Mansfield
Plymouth v Luton
Stevenage v Crewe
Yeovil v Notts County
LAST MEETING
LAST MEETING