Is 2,000 fans enough to influence Portsmouth performances and increase intensity of matches?

The Fratton faithful will tomorrow descend on their spiritual home, with the ban on supporters attending sporting events finally lifted.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, Pompey have played 24 matches behind closed doors – including two play-off games.

But for the visit of Peterborough, 2,000 fans will be inside PO4.

It’s a small percentage of how many people would be packed inside the historic ground on a normal match-day against a promotion rival.

Those lucky enough to be in attendance will be scattered across the Fratton End, Milton End and North Stand, with the Blues ensuring they adhere to social distancing measures.

Given how sparsely populated the stadium will be, the key question is whether they’ll have an impact on Pompey’s performances.

Kenny Jackett’s previously described the PO4 crowd as a weapon, with the Blues unbeaten at home last season before it was curtailed.

Jackett doesn’t think the intensity of matches will change too much – but he's relishing seeing supporters back.

The Pompey boss said: ‘We were unbeaten at home last season until Covid came along halfway through March.

‘Having that type of run would be great. I understand 2,000 fans isn’t 18,000 fans but they will all be our fans and they are excellent in getting behind the players.

‘Our aim is to try to build up a good record between now and the end of the season. It will be vital if we are going to be successful.

‘I don’t think 2,000 fans will change the intensity necessarily whether it’s playing behind closed doors or not.

‘It’s very different playing in empty stadiums but it’s the same for everybody and we’ve had to adapt.

‘It’s a step in the right direction and it is all new. It will be interesting how it goes and will certainly encouraging for home seasons.

‘You do wonder how playing behind closed doors influences the referee more because the referee can hear everything not just from the dugout but beyond that at times.

‘Really, in the end, it comes down to the football and getting everything on the pitch right.

‘But messages out, passionate crowds is something we definitely look at but you need to get it right on the pitch.’