The international break probably came at the right time for Pompey after a hectic start to the new season.
But it did leave supporters kicking their heels last weekend, with England matches having to sate their footballing thirst.
So there is plenty of excitement building ahead of a League One clash for John Mousinho’s men at Derby on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
With two of the best supported clubs in the third tier facing off, there could be around 30,000 people inside Pride Park.
The visitors are looking to protect the division’s only unbeaten record and currently sit just a couple of points behind early leaders Stevenage.
Their opponents, meanwhile, currently occupy 11th position, having won three and lost three of their opening six games.
The Rams were also last in action a fortnight ago, letting a lead slip at high-flying Bolton to suffer a 2-1 defeat.
Paul Warne’s side are looking to improve on last season, when they collected one point from the final two fixtures to be pipped to the final play-off spot by Peterborough.
That included a 1-1 draw with Pompey in their final home fixture, with James Collins cancelling out Colby Bishop’s opener.
TEAM NEWS
Josh Dockerill (knee), Tom Lowery (knee), Anthony Scully (knee) and Kusini Yengi (ankle) are all missing, while Gavin Whyte (hamstring) is a doubt.
Pompey are also missing two players through suspension, with Joe Morrell and Joe Rafferty both absent.
But Tino Anjorin could make his debut after completing a loan switch from Chelsea at the end of last month.
Derby are without Max Bird (ankle), Jake Rooney (knee), Louie Sibley (groin), Liam Thompson (quad), Joe Ward (heel) and Kane Wilson (hamstring).
But goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith is available after seeing his red card against Bolton before the international break overturned.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Paddy Lane ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 35 wins
Derby: 42 wins
22 draws
On the road
Pompey: 10 wins
Derby: 28 wins
8 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans are no longer able to purchase tickets and they will not be sold at Pride Park on the day of the game.
If you are travelling to the match, then click here to read a guide for visitors that has been produced by the home club.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Rebecca Welch
Assistants: Paul Hodskinson and James Wilson
Fourth Official: Scott Tallis
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary.
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 key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre.
There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 3pm
Barnsley v Burton
Exeter v Cheltenham
Fleetwood v Oxford
Lincoln v Carlisle
Peterborough v Leyton Orient
Port Vale v Northampton
Reading v Bolton
Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers
Stevenage v Charlton
Wigan v Cambridge
Wycombe v Blackpool
LAST MEETING
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