It is just shy of three months since Fratton Park last hosted a Pompey game.
But the stadium will open its doors once more on Saturday for a pre-season friendly against Bristol City (3pm kick-off).
It provides a final opportunity for fans to see the players in action before the League One fun beings with a visit from Bristol Rovers a week later.
The game provides a step up in opposition after a series of tests against local non-league sides, as well as fourth tier outfits Crawley and AFC Wimbledon.
Nigel Pearson’s side finished 14th in the Championship last term – 10 points adrift of the play-off spots and 15 clear of the bottom three.
Included in their ranks is Kal Naismith, who was Pompey’s top scorer when they dramatically secured the 2016/17 League Two title, while Ross McCrorie and Cam Pring previously had loan spells with the club.
Meanwhile, Bristol City offered the use of Marlee Francois to help make up the numbers during a friendly at the Robins’ base a couple of years ago – and he promptly grabbed a late equaliser for the Blues.
The last competitive contest between the sides took place at Ashton Gate in January 2021 and resulted in a 2-1 win for the hosts.
You have to go back to September 2010 to find the most recent Pompey win, with John Utaka, Aaron Mokoena and Hayden Mullins scoring in a 3-1 Championship victory at Fratton Park.
A minute’s applause will take place before kick-off to remember Tony Priscott, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
TEAM NEWS
There are 12 summer signings who could make their Fratton Park bow, with Terry Devlin, Abu Kamara, Will Norris, Regan Poole, Christian Saydee, Ryan Schofield, Anthony Scully, Jack Sparkes, Ben Stevenson, Connor Shaughnessy, Gavin Whyte and Kusini Yengi all hoping to feature.
Colby Bishop and Sean Raggett will be hoping to feature after missing Tuesday’s game at AFC Wimbledon as a precaution, while Pompey are assessing Paddy Lane, who limped off towards the end of that game.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 14 wins
Bristol City: 22 wins
18 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 9 wins
Bristol City: 7 wins
11 draws
*Competitive matches only
TICKETS
Pompey fans can purchase tickets in the North and South Stands for this fixture.
Buy online here today to book your place at Fratton Park, with prices increasing (except for juniors) if bought on the day of the game.
Please note that the Fanzone will not be in operation for this game and no programme has been produced. These will both return when the League One season resumes on August 5.
Strike action will impact train services on Saturday, so please check before you travel.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sunny Gill
Assistants: Michael Webb and Dean Treleaven
Fourth Official: Alex Blake
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the game live by purchasing an iFollow match pass for just £5.
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.
LAST MEETING