Portland United travel to Laverstock & Ford in the Velocity Wessex League Premier later today (September 14).

The Blues come into the game off the back of a 0-0 draw with Christchurch in midweek and a hard fought 2-1 win over US Portsmouth last weekend. 

It means that the new management team of Shaun Bessant and Josh Hickman remain undefeated since taking over from Kyle Critchell. 

READ: Wessex Premier League: Portland United 0-0 Christchurch

However, just two wins and three draws from their opening seven games means they sit 10th with nine points.

But with the season still in an embryonic stage, they are just two points adrift of the playoffs.

Greg Borthwick leads the goalscoring charts for the Blues with four goals so far this campaign and may return to the squad after the birth of his first child when the Blues visit Church Road.

Last season, in the corresponding fixture, the Blues snatched an 89th minute equaliser as the two sides drew on the opening day of the season.

Lavvy have conceded 12 goals in their last two games without reply and will be looking to change their fortunes.

A 9-0 thumping from Fareham last weekend was followed up by 3-0 defeat to Hamworthy Recreation. 

Due to cup fixtures the Hampshire-based club have only played four fixtures in the league and sit 18th with four points, however, this does not reflect their good form in the cups.

Carson Arnold has also been in fine form for Laverstock with 5 goals from eight starts.

Blues boss Hickman is under no illusions on the task his side face this weekend, despite Lavvy's poor run.

Speaking ahead of the game he said: "If you take out the last two games for Laverstock they have had a good start to the season.

"They are a big, physical and experienced side, so it will be different from the last two games but we are excited for it.

"We know they are good on the ball as well so we will have to be comfortable without the ball for periods of the game and we will have to structure ourselves that way.

"But our hands are kind of tied with the unavailability we have but we will be aware of their threats."

The Blues are still without Connor Callow who remains a long term absentee through injury, and Archie Woolford, Josh Camp, Troy Walbridge and Ben Holloway are all unavailable.

Sam Gadsby has also left the club to play for Southern League side Bashley but Pat Jenkins will be back available as he returns to the squad.

Tom Peach and Joe Wickham will also be looking to get some more minutes after returning to the fold in midweek.

Kick off at Church Road is at 3pm on Saturday, September 14.