Pompey will look to blow the cobwebs off their play-off disappointment when they open the 2020/21 campaign on Saturday.
Kenny Jackett takes his side up to Broadhall Way for a tie against Stevenage in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
It looked like their opponents would not be featuring in this season’s competition, having finished bottom of League Two last term.
However, a series of points deductions saw Macclesfield instead claim the unwanted sole relegation spot.
It has been all change at Boro over the summer, with plenty of players coming and going to refresh the squad.
Pompey slumped to a 3-0 defeat when they last made the visit to Hertfordshire back in March 2017, with Christian Burgess’ red card and a missed Conor Chaplin penalty adding to the misery.
But that was the only defeat in a run of 12 games to conclude a campaign that saw the Blues dramatically claim the title on the final day.
The first ever competitive meeting between the sides came in the EFL Cup back in the summer of 2010.
Goals from Nadir Ciftci and Michael Brown ensured Steve Cotterill’s side triumphed 2-1 to reach the second round.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey will be without Ellis Harrison (calf) and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild (knee), who have only just returned to training.
Stevenage could hand out plenty of debuts, having brought in 12 new players over the summer, including the likes of Ben Coker, Luke Prosser and Romain Vincelot.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of assistant manager Joe Gallen ahead of the first round tie.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 3 wins
Stevenage: 5 wins
2 draws
At Broadhall Way
Pompey: 2 wins
Stevenage: 4 wins
0 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Purkiss
Assistants: Conor Farrell and Gregory Read
Fourth Official: Andy Bennett
MATCH COVERAGE
Pompey fans in the UK can watch the match live (please note coverage will be provided by a single camera) by purchasing a match pass for £10.
This will include commentary from BBC Radio Solent’s Andrew Moon and Alan McLoughlin.
Please note that for this match only, supporters will need to select home or away audio using the settings cog on the video player.
Due to broadcasting rights issues, Carabao Cup games cannot be streamed overseas, although international iFollow subscribers can listen to audio commentary.
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 4/6 favourites with Sky Bet to secure victory after 90 minutes, while the hosts can be backed at 18/5.
Remember to visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN CARABAO CUP
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Saturday
Blackburn v Doncaster
Preston v Mansfield
Stoke v Blackpool
September 4
Middlesbrough v Shrewsbury (5.30pm)
Burton v Accrington (7.30pm)
September 5
Derby v Barrow (12pm)
Plymouth v QPR (12.30pm)
Crawley v Millwall (1pm)
Gillingham v Southend (1pm)
Bristol City v Exeter (2pm)
Walsall v Sheffield Wednesday (2.15pm)
Barnsley v Nottingham Forest
Birmingham v Cambridge
Bolton v Bradford
Crewe v Lincoln
Fleetwood v Wigan
Forest Green v Leyton Orient
Grimsby v Morecambe
Ipswich v Bristol Rovers
Luton v Norwich
MK Dons v Coventry
Newport v Swansea
Northampton v Cardiff
Oldham v Carlisle
Oxford v AFC Wimbledon
Peterborough v Cheltenham
Reading v Colchester
Rochdale v Huddersfield
Salford v Rotherham
Scunthorpe v Port Vale
Sunderland v Hull
Swindon v Charlton
Tranmere v Harrogate Town
September 6
Brentford v Wycombe (12pm)
FROM THE VAULTS