Portsmouth to face young Chelsea and Arsenal sides in pre-season | OneFootball

Portsmouth will play host to young Chelsea and Arsenal sides during their pre-season programme.

The Hampshire club announced details of their pre-season schedule via a post on their official club website this morning.

Jay Sadler’s side will play seven friendly matches in preparation for their debut season in the Barclays Women’s Championship. Eye-catching fixtures against Under-21 sides from both Chelsea and Arsenal have been announced while Pompey will also travel to Barclays Women’s Super League club Crystal Palace and Barclays Women’s Championship rivals Bristol City. Games against FA Women’s National League sides Cheltenham Town, AFC Bournemouth and Watford round-off Portsmouth’s pre-season itinerary.

Taking on Arsenal and Chelsea’s stars of tomorrow could prove to be a useful exercise for newly-promoted Portsmouth. Pompey’s recent decision to turn full-time professional will come at a cost and the club will need to carefully juggle their finances. Portsmouth may need to consider incoming loans and dual-registration deals this season to boost competition within their squad alongside those players who are contracted to the club and any permanent new additions. Bolstering links with clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal can only help their cause.

Final details of Portsmouth’s pre-season friendly fixtures will be announced in due course. Admission details are not yet known for all games, although the club have indicated that the three home fixtures will be staged at Westleigh Park in Havant.

Portsmouth’s 2024/2025 Pre-Season Friendlies

28 July 2024 – Cheltenham Town (A)

4 July 2024 – Crystal Palace (A)

7 August 2024 – AFC Bournemouth (A)

11 August 2024 – Watford (H)

18 August 2024 – Chelsea U21s (H)

25 August 2024 – Bristol City (A)

1 September 2024 – Arsenal U21s (H)