HERE WE FOE

Beattie is relishing the 'fiercest' of derby clashes

- BY FELIX KEITH

WHEN Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed in April there was only one thing on the minds of supporters.

Saints have not played bitter rivals Portsmouth for six years and they have not been in the same league for 13.

Their miserable 2024/25 campaign at least meant one thing: the return of one of English football's fiercest rivalries.

St Mary's plays host to Saints vs Pompey tomorrow afternoon as the derby enters a new era.

Jack Stephens and Alex McCarthy are the only players from either side who were involved at Fratton Park in September 2019 as Saints thrashed Pompey 4-0 in the League Cup.