This Week's Opposition: Preston North End

Pompey Live's Kirsty Roxanne gives us an insight into Pompey's next opponent at Fratton Park.

An outstanding flying header in the 56th minute from Colby Bishop enabled the Blues to gain a point at The Hawthorns last time out.

Now sitting 11th in the table with the exact same points and goal difference as arch rivals Southampton in 10th, John Moushino’s side return to home soil to take on Preston North End at Fratton Park.

MANAGER

Paul Heckingbottom is the man in charge of The Lilywhites.

After retiring as a player, he obtained a position with Barnsley’s development squad. After a successful run as caretaker manager, in which the club won promotion and the EFL Trophy, he was appointed permanently in 2016.

Throughout his career, Heckingbottom has managed the likes of Leeds United, Hibernian and Sheffield United. He guided The Blades to promotion to the Premier League as runners-up in the 2022/23 season but was sacked that December with the club sat bottom.

Heckingbottom was appointed manager of Preston North End following the departure of Ryan Lowe after just 1 game into The Lilywhites 2024/25 campaign.

ONE TO WATCH

Spanish man Pol Valentín is our one to watch.

The 28-year-old signed for Preston North End in June after being released from Sheffield Wednesday following the expiration of his contract.

The right-back has so far started all league games this season and picked up his first assist for the club in their 2-1 win over Leicester City, making a fast break to find Alfie Devine, who slotted the ball home into the bottom left corner.

TOP SCORER

Milutin Osmajić is PNE’s leading goalscorer, accumulating 3 goals in the opening 3 league games, including a penalty last time out against Ipswich Town and a late minute winner against Leicester at Deepdale.

Osmajić made the move to England in September 2023 when he signed for the club on a 4-year-deal.

Since arriving, he has become a controversial yet key figure, scoring 21 goals in 69 appearances across all competitions as of the 2025/26 season. In his debut season, he netted 8 goals including a sensational 7-minute hat-trick off the bench against Huddersfield Town.

Last term, Osmajić was charged twice by The FA - He was first banned for 8 matches and fined following a derby match against Blackburn Rovers which saw him bite opposition player Owen Beck’s neck. Then 5 months later he was accused and fined for racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal.

CURRENT FORM

The Lilywhites currently occupy a Play-Off position - 6th in the Championship table with 7 points.

Heckingbottom’s side are still unbeaten in the league 3 games in, however the club was knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night by Championship counterparts Wrexham in a 5-goal thriller which ended 3-2 to the Welsh outfit.

The last time North End made the trip down South, Portsmouth saw the return of Colby Bishop from heart surgery celebrated with a 3-1 scoreline in the Blues’ favour at Fratton Park.

Can John Mousinho’s troops get back to winning ways at Fortress Fratton?

Tune in and catch all of the unmissable action here on Express FM this Saturday (August 30th) afternoon from 2pm, which is when Pompey Live returns with Jake Smith, Kirsty Roxanne and James Wilson.

Kick-off: 3pm!