Blues head to Crawley for final friendly
It is the last dress rehearsal before Pompey take to the big Fratton stage on August 5.
And Kenny Jackett does not want anyone to fluff their lines in Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Crawley.
The final score might count for little once the League One fixtures get started the following week.
But Jackett is still looking for his side to impress and build up some momentum ahead of their Rochdale test.
The Blues boss said: “It’s the final friendly and we want to finish our pre-season schedule off strongly.
“I’m looking forward to the coming campaign and the players have looked hungry throughout the summer.
"It’s the final friendly and we want to finish our pre-season schedule off strongly."
“I want that to continue and we want to go into the Rochdale game in a winning frame of mind if at all possible.
“We also want to be as fit as we possibly can be and offer our supporters plenty of encouragement for what lies ahead.
“You learn plenty about your team and individuals at this stage and the August/September period is so vital because it gives you an idea how you’re going to fare in a new division. We want to hit the ground running.”
Jackett made only one substitution in last week’s friendly against Bournemouth, but there is still time for players to fight their way into the side.
He said: “You need blocks of 90 minutes in pre-season as part of your conditioning because so many games are decided in the final moments.
“We have a fair idea of what the team’s going to be against Rochdale, but you have to assess things every day to see if you need to make changes.”
Matt Clarke (groin) and Nathan Thompson (foot) are still sidelined for Pompey and will not be fit for the League One opener.