Football News
Portsmouth v Bolton: Match Preview
In the doldrums of the Premier League lie Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers and the bottom two clash at Fratton Park this weekend. The last 12 months could hardly have been worse for Pompey but their recent activity provides some hope for fans as their wafer-thin squad has bolstered significantly since their last match.
There has been plenty of arrivals on the south coast in recent weeks, with Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jamie O'Hara, Tal Ben Haim, Michael Brown and Aruna Dindane being among the most high-profile additions to Paul Hart's squad.
Bolton have completed some astute pieces of business themselves this summer, but are yet to get their campaign going with three defeats from three.
Pompey's record of four losses from four is the only record which is worse than Bolton's but at least one side will get their points tally up and running by 5pm on Saturday.
Portsmouth are hopeful of welcoming all of their injured players back to action this weekend, with star midfielder Papa Bouba Diop in contention to make his first appearance of the season.
Steve Finnan, Linvoy Primus and Marc Wilson are also close to regaining fitness after thigh strains. Sean Davis misses out on a meeting with his former club due to suspension.
Trotters manager Gary Megson virtually has a full-strength squad to choose from ahead of the trip as tricky winger Ricardo Gardner could provide a boost to his side by recovering from a hamstring injury in time to aid the Bolton attack.
Bolton have won just once at Fratton Park since Portsmouth returned to the Premier League in 2003 and are yet to score a goal away from home in the Premier League this season.
But after unluckily slumping to a 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool, when the Trotters were reduced to 10 men when in the lead, Megson will be hopeful of an upturn in form.
In contrast, Portsmouth are yet to score a league goal at home this season so a low-scoring encounter is to be expected.