Mendes and Thatcher will meet for the first time since the incident

It will be the first time the pair have met since Thatcher hospitalised Mendes with a challenge which the Portsmouth midfielder describes as "barbaric".

Thatcher, then a Manchester City player, was banned for eight games after elbowing Mendes in August.

"For me, Thatcher does not exist. I believe that is the best way to avoid any further problems," said Mendes.

"There will not be a reaction from me this Saturday, but I do not intend to offer any kind of embrace either.

"The actions of Thatcher represented my worst experience in the world of football.

"Football is a sport and not a war. Players should demonstrate that they are professionals and not warriors."

Mendes, 27, came round in hospital after the incident at City's Eastland's Stadium left him unconscious and having convulsions.

Bar one stupid challenge, my disciplinary record over the last few years has been good Ben Thatcher

And while Mendes finds it hard to forgive the Welshman, he does want to issue to be forgotten.

"In the physical way I'm fine. The fear has passed and now I am OK," Mendes added.

"I believe he will receive protests just like any rival player but I do not want there to be more than that and I just want the subject to be forgotten."

Thatcher has expressed his shame over the incident and also wants to move on.

"I'm ashamed of what I did - it was a really low moment," he said Thatcher.

"It was difficult - but it's all water under the bridge now.

"I was given an eight-game ban but got my head down and trained hard.

"I just tried to show a good attitude to get something positive from a bad time."

The 31-year-old, who moved to Charlton for �500,000 after the January transfer window opened, insisted the challenge was out of character.

It is not Portsmouth v Ben Thatcher Pompey defender Linvoy Primus

"Bar one stupid challenge, my disciplinary record over the last few years has been good.

"I have assured Alan Pardew that nothing like that will happen again."

Charlton boss Pardew has also spoken out to try to defuse the atmosphere at Fratton Park on Saturday.

"I just hope everyone is sensible. Ben's made it clear it was a moment of madness and has apologised," he said.

And Portsmouth players Linvoy Primus and Gary O'Neill echoed his sentiments.

Primus said: "It is not Portsmouth v Ben Thatcher.

"Pedro will play his normal game and being the man he is, he will not be dirty, he will just get on with it.

"We have not spoken about the challenge and are not thinking about retribution in a physical sense. Getting a result will be the best way of getting one back against him."

And O'Neill added: "He has been punished and said sorry and has to play football."

And the local police force has insisted that it has no special plans in place for Thatcher's visit.