A few weeks ago, a match against Bolton appeared to offer the promise of a guaranteed three points.
Unable to make signings until their takeover was complete, a threadbare squad had to be topped up with academy players.
So it was not exactly a surprise to see Wanderers concede five goals in four successive August fixtures or the departure of fed-up manager Phil Parkinson.
Keith Hill came in to replace him and Football Ventures (Whites) Limited are the new owners, leading to a raft of deadline day signings.
It took a while for the newcomers to gel into a cohesive unit, but things are slowly moving in the right direction.
Still awaiting their first victory this term, the Trotters head to Fratton Park on a two-match unbeaten run, with draws against Oxford and Sunderland.
Having started the season on -12 points due to entering administration, they have only climbed to -9 and are still cut adrift at the bottom of the League One table.
The decision to postpone a previous clash with Doncaster – as well a game last season that could not be fulfilled – may yet result in a further deduction.
But fans at least know the club’s future is secure and Bolton will be aiming to break their victory duck with a first Pompey meeting since 2010.
Both clubs were in the Premier League back then and a brace from Aruna Dindane saw the Blues battle from behind to draw 2-2 in the north-west.
TEAM NEWS
Oli Hawkins is set to spend four-to-six weeks on the sidelines after injuring his foot in the south coast derby.
Pompey are also without Lee Brown (Achilles), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee), but Marcus Harness is fit again and Ellis Harrison returns from a one-match ban.
Bolton will be missing defender Jake Wright (hamstring), while there are doubts over the fitness of Ben Alnwick, Daryl Murphy and Chris O’Grady.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Christian Burgess or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 33 wins
Bolton: 42 wins
22 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 24 wins
Bolton: 9 wins
15 draws
TICKETS
There is still limited seating available for this fixture and tickets can be bought online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.
Subject to availability, they can also be bought from both ticket offices from 9am on Saturday.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Darren Drysdale
Assistants: Stuart Butler and Stephen Brown
Fourth Official: Adrian Waters
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 2pm on Saturday.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch the action and commentary will begin from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
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, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 1/4 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 10/1.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Kick-off 3pm unless stated
Tonight
Blackpool v Lincoln (7.45pm)
Saturday
Bristol Rovers v Rotherham
Coventry v Doncaster
Ipswich v Tranmere
Oxford v Gillingham
Peterborough v AFC Wimbledon
Rochdale v Wycombe
Shrewsbury v Fleetwood
Southend v Accrington
Sunderland v MK Dons
LAST MEETING
✌️ Aruna Dindane was at the double the last time we played @officialBWFC, coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 #Pompey | #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/iEzbnGDm1t
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) September 27, 2019