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Southampton have already beaten Portsmouth twice this season, in the league and League Cup When it comes to sport, Southampton and Portsmouth, quite simply, do not get on. On Saturday, that fierce rivalry's latest instalment rears its head as the two Hampshire cities meet in the Women's Championship at St Mary's. On the two previous occasions they have faced the Blues this campaign in the League Cup and league, Southampton have won both. "We know it's a big game and they beat us twice already so we owe them one, " Portsmouth defender Riva Casley told BBC South Today. Recent wins over now bottom club Sheffield United and Sunderland have lifted Portsmouth out of the league's relegation zone, two points clear of the Blades. Prior to that, they had gone 14 league games without victory. "Finally, things are starting to work for us on the pitch - it's been a long time coming after all of the work we put in during pre-season, " Casley added. "It's been a hard season for us, to get two wins in two weeks has been huge and it has lifted the mood, we're just enjoying our football. " Despite being one position and nine points better off in the table, eighth-placed Saints have not won a game since the reverse fixture back in November. "We know we can perform in these derbies, we're looking forward to it, " Southampton forward Rachel Rowe. "There's always a good buzz around the group when you know there is a derby game coming up. Everyone's excited for it and we're just looking forward to seeing the fans out there. " Southampton hope to set a new attendance record for Saturday's evening kick-off. Their previous highest was 7, 012 against Sunderland in January but Portsmouth boss Jay Sadler believes this game could come close to doubling that. Southampton recently had a change of leadership, parting ways with first-team boss Remi Allen and reappointing previous manager Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who is also relishing the derby test. "It wasn't something I thought would happen but it has and now it's about looking forward, " Spacey-Cale said. "There's been a lot going on but for me now I can only concentrate on what is coming up, I want to make sure we're in the best place possible for the end of the season and the run-in. "South-coast derbies have a different emotional attachment to them but we have to park that and just be confident in what we do and how we play. " BBC Radio Solent will have full live commentary of Southampton v Portsmouth on Saturday - listen across their radio frequencies or online via your mobile device or smart speaker. Click here to tune in on Saturday. Burn, Lewis-Skelly & Rashford named in Tuchel's first England line-up - get full team news Northern Ireland v Switzerland - build-up Hamilton 'gobsmacked' by Ferrari speed in China How Nelli Cooman became the 60m fastest woman in the world Tom Hanks guides you across the Americas Escape the noise of daily life with music and meditation The very best bits from the hit comedy panel show Premier League intensity or caution - how will Tuchel's England play? What next for England after Lewis' sacking? Why England's 'warrior queen' is the perfect captain Groundbreaking but controversial - new IOC president Coventry You can't write off Chelsea quadruple - Anita Asante Watch best of action as Scotland win in Greece. Video Watch best of action as Scotland win in Greece Obituary: Eddie Jordan, the flamboyant deal-maker of Formula 1 'Scotland's great survivor Hanley basks in battle' Why are Chelsea stockpiling so many young players? 'Complicated' but 'honest' - Tuchel's path from barman to England boss Is Maldini the greatest Champions League captain? Video Is Maldini the greatest Champions League captain? 'Therapy was a light-bulb, life-changing moment' No home, food or phone: Blachowicz's 'detox' from life Texas to Turf Moor - how JJ Watt got 'invested' in Burnley Having autism has worked to my advantage in football - Bronze Women's Six Nations team-by-team guide From non-verbal child to top-level talent - how Brooksby embraced autism I was close to dying in car crash - Antonio Second Serve: Your new weekly tennis briefing Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.