After 17 months of waiting, the time has almost come.
Pompey fans have had to wait a long time before being able to enter Fratton Park in significant numbers to watch their side in action.
But they will be able to cheer a Danny Cowley team in a competitive fixture on home soil for the first time on Saturday.
Crewe are the visitors for a League One contest, as life begins to return to something at least resembling normality.
While the Blues started the season with a narrow win at Fleetwood, their opponents drew 1-1 against newly promoted Cheltenham at Gresty Road.
They followed that with a narrow midweek Carabao Cup success at Hartlepool to set up a mouth-watering second round trip to top-flight Leeds.
David Artell’s troops finished 12th in the third tier last term, having come up from League Two during the previous – prematurely curtailed – campaign.
They will be without Charlie Kirk on Saturday after the highly-rated winger was snapped up by Charlton.
The most recent meeting between the sides finished goalless in Cheshire back in March, with John Marquis seeing a penalty saved.
But the Blues eased to a 4-1 victory at Fratton Park last season, courtesy of Ronan Curtis’ brace and goals for Tom Naylor and Marquis.
TEAM NEWS
Callum Johnson is suspended for three games after the appeal over his sending off at Millwall was rejected.
New signings Joe Morrell and Louis Thompson could make their debuts, although Danny Cowley has suggested that the latter might need some time to reach full match fitness.
Jayden Reid (knee) is a long-term absentee for the Blues, while fellow summer signing Liam Vincent (shin) is also sidelined.
The visitors will be without the suspended Billy Sass-Davies, while recent arrival Terell Thomas could be thrown straight into the side.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley ahead of the game or watch the video below.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 7 wins
Crewe: 7 wins
6 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 5 wins
Crewe: 4 wins
1 draw
TICKETS
Fans are advised to buy tickets in advance online here and take advantage of the early bird rates, with prices rising on a matchday.
On the day of the game, tickets can be purchased from the Anson Road ticket office or Fratton End booth from 10am (no cash sales).
Season ticket holders are reminded that they will still need to purchase individual match tickets for the opening three home games.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Portsmouth Football Club respectfully ask all supporters to adhere to the Code of Conduct to ensure an enjoyable and safe matchday experience for all.
CASHLESS STADIUM
Please note that Fratton Park is now a cashless stadium and supporters will need to use contactless payment methods when purchasing tickets, food and drink.
MINUTE’S APPLAUSE
A minute’s applause will take place before kick-off, giving everyone inside Fratton Park a chance to pay tribute to all those supporters – as well as former players and managers – who have passed away over the past 17 months.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Will Finnie
Assistants: Darren Wilding and Damith Bandara
Fourth Official: Stuart Butler
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2.45pm 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 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 87/100 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 16/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Accrington v Cambridge
AFC Wimbledon v Bolton
Burton v Ipswich
Cheltenham v Wycombe
Lincoln v Fleetwood
MK Dons v Sunderland
Morecambe v Shrewsbury
Oxford v Charlton
Plymouth v Gillingham
Sheffield Wednesday v Doncaster
Wigan v Rotherham
LAST FRATTON MEETING