Preston will be 'tough test' for Pompey - Mousinho

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho says that Saturday's game at Preston North End will be a "tough test" for his side.

The Blues won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in August, but since then the Lilywhites have pushed on, currently ninth in the Championship table and three points off the top six.

Paul Heckingbottom's side come into this match with no wins in their last four games but drew 1-1 at Ipswich Town last time out.

"Preston have had an outstanding season, competing up in the top six and the top eight for large parts of it," Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.

"They have been very consistent in terms of their output and have picked up some very good results, least of all last week against Ipswich away from home.

"They have a very distinct playing style, excellent structure and some really good players.

"When they came here to Fratton Park it was a real tough test but a good win for us ultimately and it's going to be a really tough test for us going into this game."

The Blues could end up facing a familar face in Callum Lang who they sold to Preston on the final day of the transfer window.

Lang has been recovering from an injury but could face his former side who he made over 50 appearances for.

"I think it always is (strange) whenever you face former players, particularly after such a short turnaround," Mousinho added.

"It's just one of those things that we'd have to deal with."