Woking will kick off their pre-season schedule with a high-profile friendly against Championship side Portsmouth at Kingfield Stadium on Tuesday. The Cards, now under former Pompey striker Jermain Defoe, are targeting a top-seven finish in the National League to secure a first-ever EFL return. League standing: 10th in National League, 63 pts, 16W-15D-15L from 46 games, recent form LWDWD.
What’s the big picture for Woking?
Defoe took charge in late March and oversaw two wins, four draws and one defeat in the final seven games of last season. Woking finished 10th with 63 points, 45 points behind league leaders York, and have made seven new signings to bolster their squad. Goals this season: 69 scored, 54 conceded (+15 goal difference). Their last result was a 0-1 loss to FC Halifax Town on 2026-04-25, with recent form showing two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five matches (LLWWD).
Why does this Portsmouth friendly matter?
Portsmouth arrive fresh from a 18th-placed Championship finish and are building for a third straight season in England’s second tier. John Mousinho’s side have added midfielder Odin Bailey and forward Eion Kenny, with reports suggesting more reinforcements are incoming. Their pre-season includes friendlies against Aldershot Town, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers before a trip to Darmstadt 98 in Germany.
Team news and likely lineups
Woking’s back four could feature Zico Asare, Timi Odusina, Chinwike Okoli and Caleb Richards, while Sean Adarkwa is set to lead the attack after joining on a free transfer from Wealdstone. Portsmouth will be without left-back Conor Ogilvie due to knee surgery, and Mousinho may rotate his squad across Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s friendlies.
What’s next for both sides?
Woking’s pre-season started with a narrow 2-1 win over Sholing, giving Defoe time to bed in his new signings. Portsmouth, meanwhile, begin their competitive campaign with an EFL Cup tie against West Ham United after their German friendly. Both clubs are focused on reshaping their squads ahead of the new season.
Woking’s push for the playoffs hinges on tighter defensive work after conceding 54 goals last term. Their attack, bolstered by five new forwards, will need to click quickly to challenge for a top-seven spot. For Portsmouth, every friendly is a chance to integrate new arrivals and tighten their Championship survival plans.
