Posh travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth in League One on Saturday.

Peterborough United return to Sky Bet League One action on Saturday with a trip to Fratton Park to face an improving Portsmouth (3pm) knowing that three points will consolidate the club’s position in the top three of the league table.

Pompey, who are managed by Kenny Jackett, have had a slow start to the campaign, but they are improving and go into the game on the back of two successive cup victories over Northampton Town in the Leasing.com Trophy and Altrincham in the Emirates FA Cup.

TEAM NEWS

Posh are without the services of George Boyd and Josh Knight due to injury and defender Frazer Blake-Tracy has been added to that injury list after sustaining an ankle injury. Siriki Dembele (wrist) and Joe Ward (groin) are both doubts after picking up injuries in the midweek defeat to Ipswich Town on penalties in the Leasing.com clash at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Portsmouth are expected to include former Posh defender Christian Burgess at the heart of their defence while experienced front man Brett Pitman could start up front after impressing in recent games.

Tom Naylor will be aiming for a return to the side, with Pompey’s skipper back in full training following a hamstring injury. But Marcus Harness received a knock to the knee in Tuesday’s Leasing.com Trophy win over Northampton and is a doubt.

Jack Whatmough needs a reserve game before he will be considered for selection, while Bryn Morris (groin) is out.

FROM THE GAFFER

“Portsmouth away is always a difficult game. They are improving, their home record is pretty good and we know that there will be a good atmosphere and we have spoken about trying to keep the crowd quiet. Last season’s game was a very open affair but I think this game could be slightly different, both sides needed a win last season as it was right at the end of the campaign, I can’t see it being like that this time around,” Ferguson said.

FROM THE OPPOSITION

“It’s as big a test as you’ll get in this league. When they get it right – as they do on many occasions – they’re a real threat. This will be a good barometer for us to see where we are against one of the best sides, who we all expect to do well this season,” Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett said.

TICKET NEWS

The game is all-ticket for Posh fans and tickets go off sale at 2pm on Friday. So far 453 tickets have been sold.

KIT COLOURS

Posh will be in the away kit for this game.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The match referee is Craig Breakspear.