With six matches of the season remaining, Pompey’s fate is in their own hands.
There are clashes with promotion rivals Plymouth, Charlton and Peterborough to come as the battle for the play-offs intensifies.
Next up, however, is the long trip north to Spotland on Saturday to face a relegation-threatened Rochdale outfit.
And Kenny Jackett is excited about the top six race as the 2017/18 campaign heads into the final straight.
The Blues boss said: “There’s been a real sense of anticipation around the training ground this week.
“The players have been working hard and looking forward to what will be another big game for us on Saturday.
"We’ll have a good crowd going up to support us and I know they’ll be getting right behind us."
“We’ve generated a lot of interest and optimism from supporters because of what’s happened recently.
“Fifth and sixth are both open – and you can maybe say fourth as well – with six matches to go. All we have to do is focus on ourselves as usual.
“We’ll have a good crowd going up to support us and I know they’ll be getting right behind us. That can only help us.”
Pompey face a Rochdale side that have boosted their chances of League One survival following back-to-back victories.
Jackett said: “They have a genuine chance of getting out of the relegation places and have games in hand after a fantastic cup run.
“They enjoyed a fine win at Bury on Tuesday night and before that beat a very good Shrewsbury side, which not many sides have been able to do.
“So they’re in decent form and have a lot to play for themselves. We’ll have to respect that and understand how hard it’s going to be.
“There will be times when we’ll have to dig deep and work really hard, but it’s an opportunity we should relish.”
Anton Walkes sat out Thursday’s training session as a precautionary measure, while Dion Donohue is in contention following the birth of his son.
Jackett said: “Dion is back and should be available for Saturday. That’s really good news and strengthens us once again.”