All you need to know about League One clash
Saturday sees the dawning of a brand new era at Pompey.
Not only are the Blues competing in the third tier of English football for the first time since suffering relegation to the basement in 2013.
But they have a new manager in Kenny Jackett, who has brought in a selection of fresh faces to boost his squad.
And, of course, the club are now under new ownership after Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company completed their takeover on Thursday.
So there is sure to be celebratory atmosphere inside Fratton Park, as last term’s League Two title winners get the 2017/18 campaign started against Rochdale.
Their opponents have enjoyed plenty of success under Keith Hill, who has twice led them to promotion either side of a spell in charge at Barnsley.
And last season they were just four points adrift of the play-off places in ninth spot, as they chased a place in the Championship for the first time ever.
It finished 3-0 to Pompey when the sides last met at Fratton Park in October 2013 – a repeat of that would certainly get the party started.
TEAM NEWS
Nathan Thompson will have to wait a while before making his Blues bow, as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.
Jackett will also be without Matt Clarke, with the defender expected to be out for the rest of the month with a groin problem.
Joe Bunney (knee), Brendan Moore (calf) are both missing for Rochdale, with Harrison McGahey and Joe Rafferty also doubtful.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett and Christian Burgess have to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below pre-match videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 4 wins
Rochdale: 1 win
1 draw
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 2 wins
Rochdale: 0 wins
1 draw
TICKETS
There are limited number of tickets still available and they can be bought online here.
Any remaining on Saturday will be sold from the Frogmore Road ticket office, which is open from 10am.
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 subscribers 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 our new 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.
BETTING
Pompey are 4/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 100/30.
Click here to read our full betting preview and sign-up at www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers and promotions.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Bradford v Blackpool
Bury v Walsall
Charlton v Bristol Rovers
Doncaster v Gillingham
Fleetwood v Rotherham
MK Dons v Wigan
Oldham v Oxford
Peterborough v Plymouth
Scunthorpe v AFC Wimbledon
Shrewsbury v Northampton
Southend v Blackburn
LAST FRATTON MEETING