All you need to know about League Two clash
It is third versus fifth on Saturday as Pompey travel to Carlisle looking to close the gap on the automatic promotion places.
Paul Cook’s side are currently six points behind their next opponents, although they do have a game in hand.
The Cumbrians’ quest for a place in League One appeared to be faltering, as they failed to win any of their five contests in January.
But – aside from a forgettable 4-1 home defeat to Blackpool – they have been much better this month, claiming three victories.
The most recent of those came at Adams Park last Saturday, as goals from Jamie Proctor and Reggie Lambe secured a 2-1 defeat of Wycombe.
United survived an attacking siege to leave Fratton Park with a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the campaign.
And that started an unbeaten run of 15 league games which was finally ended by struggling Newport in November.
Carlisle have impressed on their own patch this term, with only Grimsby and Blackpool leaving with a maximum haul.
Danny Grainger grabbed a stoppage-time leveller as the sides drew 2-2 in last season’s corresponding fixture.
TEAM NEWS
Curtis Main (knee) is still sidelined, but Cook has an otherwise full-strength squad to select from.
Carlisle will be without skipper Danny Grainger (knee), while Jason Kennedy (groin) is also missing.
QUOTES
Read what Paul Cook and Michael Doyle have to say about the game or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match video content.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 16 Wins
Carlisle: 13 Wins
11 Draws
At Brunton Park
Pompey: 3 Wins
Carlisle: 10 Wins
7 Draws
TICKETS
Tickets can no longer be bought from Pompey, but will be available from the away ticket office (cash only) at Brunton Park on Saturday. Click here for more information.
MATCH COVERAGE
Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live commentary from Brunton Park from 2pm on Saturday.
We will also have match updates on Twitter and the Pompey Wall.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, Pompey PlayerHD and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent, while The News will also have extensive coverage.
BETTING
Pompey are 11/10 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 12/5.
Click here to read our full betting preview and sign up to www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers.
ALSO IN LEAGUE TWO
Barnet v Cambridge
Colchester v Hartlepool
Crewe v Stevenage
Doncaster v Accrington
Exeter v Blackpool
Leyton Orient v Cheltenham
Luton v Plymouth
Mansfield v Newport
Morecambe v Grimsby
Notts County v Yeovil
Wycombe v Crawley
LAST MEETING