Time flies when you're having fun and for the majority of this season we have had a good time. It certainly doesn't seem like 10 months ago when we were thrashing Blackburn 3-0 and Pedro Mendes was assaulted by a Man City player for the first time.
It's been a typical rollercoaster season for everyone associated with Pompey and the final stop on the ride will come in the form of Arsenal's visit to Fratton Park where for the first time in years, we will have something tangible to play for on the final day of a campaign.
The situation is a simple one. We must beat the Gunners tomorrow and then hope that both Bolton fail to win at home to Aston Villa and that Reading don't go to Blackburn and take 3 points. If it happens then we're going on a European tour but if it doesn't then we're still guaranteed a Top 10 Premiership finish anyway.
The team news isn't the best as we head into this crucial game as former Gunners Sol Campbell and Lauren are missing through injury as is Dejan Stefanovic, meaning our defence will be severely weakened against a team who love to score goals.
Richard Huges and Matthew Taylor are still rated as doubtful, but the better news is that Pedro Mendes could start his first Pompey game since being injured against Blackburn in February.
Arsenal have their own injury problems, especially up front as Theirry Henry and Robin van Persie are thankfully both out, as is Theo "Scummer" Walcott. Emmanuel Adebayor is also very doubtful as is Tomas Rosicky, meaning Freddie Ljungberg and Julio Baptista are likely to start up front.
Reports also suggest that both Jens Lehmann and Gilberto are to be rested so we could effectively be looking at Pompey Reserves vs Arsenal Reserves tomorrow! Whoever plays, it's sure to be a good game because Arsenal won't come to Fratton Park to stifle play, they're a good footballing side who will attack, which will play into our hands.
I'll be sorry to see what has been a very good season come to an end. This game will be the final chapter written in what has been yet another exciting book in the legacy of Portsmouth Football Club. One just wonders, however, if there is a final twist to the tale.
Premiership Past: Pompey vs Arsenal
03/04: Pompey 1 Arsenal 1
There was a party atmosphere at Fratton Park with Pompey fans celebrating guaranteed Premiership safety and Arsenal fans celebrating winning the league. The home side threatened to ruin Arsenal's unbeaten season as Yakubu put us ahead early on, only for Reyes to equalise in the second half to preserve the record.
04/05: Pompey 0 Arsenal 1
Gary O'Neil and Ricardo Fuller missed great chances to score as ironically it was Sol Campbell scored a screamer to win the game for Arsenal. If any Pompey fan in the crowd that day told you that Campbell would be playing for us in two years time, they would have been admitted to a mental institute!
05/06: Pompey 1 Arsenal 1
Arsenal took the lead as Theirry Henry scored against us yet again but Lomana LuaLua equalised with a header from a D'Alessandro free kick and then injured himself whilst celebrating. Emmanuel Adebayor missed a few sitters as Pompey held on for a precious point in the fight against relegation.
Pundit Watch
Lawro: Away Win (0-2)
Sky Sports: Home Win (1-0)
Soccernet: Draw