A relegated team would typically be looking to bounce straight back by winning promotion at the first attempt.
But supporters of Bolton would probably be content with just seeing their side complete the 2019/20 League One campaign.
Severe financial problems – something that Pompey fans can certainly empathise with – led to winding-up orders, failed takeover attempts and ultimately administration.
It means they will start the season on -12 points and a further deduction could be on the cards after a strike by players meant April’s fixture against Brentford could not go ahead.
LAST SEASON
With everything that was happening on off the pitch, it was no surprise to see Bolton also struggling on it.
They finished in 23rd position on 32 points – one more than bottom club Ipswich – and were relegated on April 19 following a home defeat to Aston Villa.
THE MANAGER
Phil Parkinson took charge at Wanderers in June 2016 and led them to automatic promotion from League One in his first season at the helm.
They narrowly avoided relegation the following year, while it is doubtful that anyone could have kept them in the second tier last term.
Parkinson – who spent the majority of his playing career at Bury and Reading – has previously managed Colchester, Hull, Charlton and Bradford.
POMPEY CONNECTIONS
Veteran midfielder Gary O’Neil became Pompey’s youngest player – a record since broken by Joe Hancott – when he made his debut against Barnsley in 2000.
He made almost 200 appearances for the Blues and went on to play for Middlesbrough, West Ham, QPR, Norwich and Bristol City.
O'Neil joined Bolton last summer and was recently named Player of the Season, although is now out of contract.
Irish international Marc Wilson – who was briefly Pompey's skipper – is another Wanderers player who is now free to speak to other clubs.
HEAD TO HEAD
Pompey: 33 wins
Bolton: 42 wins
22 draws
Last Fratton meeting
Pompey 2 (Kaboul, Boateng)
Bolton 3 (Cohen, Taylor (pen), Cahill)
Premier League
September 12 2009
Last away meeting
Bolton 2 (Klasnic, Davies)
Pompey 2 (Dindane 2)
Premier League
April 24 2010
WANDERERS STATS
Formed: 1874
Best league finish: 3rd in Division One (1891/92, 1920/21, 1924/25)
Distance from Fratton Park: 258.1 miles
Ground: University of Bolton Stadium
Estimated drive time: 4 hours 25 minutes
League One title odds: 50/1
10-YEAR HISTORY
2018/19 Championship: 23rd
2017/18 Championship: 21st
2016/17 League One: 2nd
2015/16 Championship: 24th
2014/15 Championship: 18th
2013/14 Championship: 14th
2012/13 Championship: 7th
2011/12 Premier League: 18th
2010/11 Premier League: 14th
2009/10 Premier League: 14th