Both sides will be aiming to bounce back from weekend home defeats when Pompey visit Crewe this evening (6pm kick-off).
But while the Blues were left cursing a 2-1 reverse by Burton, their opponent suffered a much heavier loss.
A run of five goals conceded in the space of 14 minutes either side of the break helped Oxford inflict a 6-0 rout at Gresty Road.
It left the Railwaymen sitting 15th in the League One standings – 16 points clear of the drop zone and nine adrift of the play-off places.
They are higher than the other three sides to have achieved promotion last term, with Plymouth one spot behind, having played two games more.
Northampton and Swindon, meanwhile, are both battling to avoid a swift return back to the basement.
The Alex missed out on the title to the latter side on the points-per-game method, despite sitting above them on goal difference when Covid-19 saw the action grind to a halt.
Pompey drew 0-0 on their last visit to Gresty Road in 2016, while Ronan Curtis’ brace and goals from Tom Naylor and John Marquis saw them triumph 4-1 at Fratton Park earlier in the current campaign.
TEAM NEWS
John Marquis has completed a three-match suspension, but is still a doubt with a recurring ankle problem.
Lee Brown (hamstring) has joined Alex Bass (foot), Ellis Harrison (knee), Jordy Hiwula (ankle) and Michael Jacobs (knee) on the sidelines.
The home side will still be without midfielder Oli Finney, who broke his leg against Shrewsbury in February.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Ben Close ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 7 wins
Crewe: 7 wins
5 draws
At Gresty Road
Pompey: 2 wins
Crewe: 3 wins
4 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Darren Drysdale
Assistants: Abbas Khan and Kevin Morris
Fourth Official: Andrew Hendley
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the action live – with graphics, commentary and replays – by purchasing a match pass for £10.
Subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 5.30pm.
Please note that subscribers based in the UK and Ireland will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 27/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 85/40.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’s game. 18+. Be Gamble Aware.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Wigan v Sunderland (6pm)
AFC Wimbledon v Ipswich (6.30pm)
Blackpool v Accrington
Doncaster v Burton
Lincoln v MK Dons
Oxford v Shrewsbury
Rochdale v Swindon
LAST MEETING
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