Team News
Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed that Robbie Brady has been more involved with training in recent times, as he edges closer to a return to action.
Meanwhile, Dan Iversen, Andrew Hughes and Brad Potts continue on their individual paths back to full fitness.
The Visitors
Having clinched the League One title in 2024, Portsmouth successfully retained their Championship status last year by finishing 16th in the second-tier standings.
After a stuttering start to the 2025/26 campaign, John Mousinho’s side have picked up form in recent times, losing only one of their previous nine league matches heading into this clash.
With the smart recruitment of players such as Millenic Alli and Ebou Adams in the winter transfer window, Pompey may have several reasons to feel optimistic about what the second half of the season has in store for them.
Match Officials
Referee: Adam Herczeg
Assistant Referees: Andrew Fox and Simon Bennett
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
Adam Herczeg will take charge of North End’s clash with Portsmouth at Deepdale.
He last officiated PNE in their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Wrexham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
Herczeg has shown 71 yellow and three red cards in 19 contests so far in the 2025/26 campaign.
Preston North End could include their record signing Callum Lang in their squad just five days after the forward left their opponents on Saturday, Portsmouth.
The Lilywhites have slipped three points outside the play-offs after a four-game winless run.
Pompey are four games unbeaten but only one point clear of the relegation zone.
Preston are unbeaten in their past 11 home league games against Portsmouth (W7 D4) since a 5-0 loss in February 1973.
Following their 1-0 win in August, Portsmouth are looking to complete the league double over Preston for the first time since 1969-70.
Preston have lost their past two home league games (1-0 v Derby, 3-0 v Hull). They last lost three in a row in the same season in December 2023, while they last did so without scoring in October 2020 (4).
Portsmouth have lost just one of their past nine league games (W4 D4), and are looking to win consecutive matches for the first time since April 2025.
Only bottom side Sheffield Wednesday (1) have won fewer away games in the Championship this season than Portsmouth (2).
Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed that Robbie Brady has been more involved with training in recent times, as he edges closer to a return to action.
Meanwhile, Dan Iversen, Andrew Hughes and Brad Potts continue on their individual paths back to full fitness.
The Visitors
Having clinched the League One title in 2024, Portsmouth successfully retained their Championship status last year by finishing 16th in the second-tier standings.
After a stuttering start to the 2025/26 campaign, John Mousinho’s side have picked up form in recent times, losing only one of their previous nine league matches heading into this clash.
With the smart recruitment of players such as Millenic Alli and Ebou Adams in the winter transfer window, Pompey may have several reasons to feel optimistic about what the second half of the season has in store for them.
Match Officials
Referee: Adam Herczeg
Assistant Referees: Andrew Fox and Simon Bennett
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
Adam Herczeg will take charge of North End’s clash with Portsmouth at Deepdale.
He last officiated PNE in their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Wrexham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
Herczeg has shown 71 yellow and three red cards in 19 contests so far in the 2025/26 campaign.
Preston North End could include their record signing Callum Lang in their squad just five days after the forward left their opponents on Saturday, Portsmouth.
The Lilywhites have slipped three points outside the play-offs after a four-game winless run.
Pompey are four games unbeaten but only one point clear of the relegation zone.
Preston are unbeaten in their past 11 home league games against Portsmouth (W7 D4) since a 5-0 loss in February 1973.
Following their 1-0 win in August, Portsmouth are looking to complete the league double over Preston for the first time since 1969-70.
Preston have lost their past two home league games (1-0 v Derby, 3-0 v Hull). They last lost three in a row in the same season in December 2023, while they last did so without scoring in October 2020 (4).
Portsmouth have lost just one of their past nine league games (W4 D4), and are looking to win consecutive matches for the first time since April 2025.
Only bottom side Sheffield Wednesday (1) have won fewer away games in the Championship this season than Portsmouth (2).
Why should a man go to work, if he has the health and strength to stay in bed?