Portsmouth have been gearing up for one of their most important matches of the season this coming Saturday, as they take on 3rd placed Peterborough United at Fratton Park.

The South Coast side have been given a helping hand on the training field as former England defender Stuart Pearce has been helping Kenny Jackett with defensive coaching duties.

According to BBC Radio Solent journalist Andrew Moon, Pearce has specifically been overseeing the side's corner routines.

This is not the first time that Kenny Jackett has enlisted the help of the former Manchester City and Nottingham Forest boss at Pompey's training ground, with Pearce working with the team on an ad-hoc basis so far this season. He also helped Pompey back in 2017.

Portsmouth currently sit in 10th place in the table, knowing that a win against Peterbrough could take them into the League One play-off places.

Kenny Jackett's side have been on an excellent run of form of late, as they are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, winning their last six.

Their last league game was against Rotherham United last Tuesday, with Pompey coming out on top as 3-2 winners.

Quiz: Can you name Portsmouth's club player of the season from the last 15 years?

The Verdict

Pearce has been seen on the training ground at Portsmouth throughout the season assisting with defensive drills, and it seems to have the side as Portsmouth have conceded 18 goals in their 17 league games - an average of just over a goal per game.

A positive result for Pompey against Peterborough could outline their promotion credentials to the rest of the division, and Jackett's side will also be buoyed by playing their fourth game in succession in front of their own fans.