Pompey will be looking for their first victory in five league games at Carlisle this weekend.
Paul Cook’s side make their longest trip of the season after taking three points from the past four games.
That run did include an FA Cup triumph over Macclesfield, while the Cumbrians also progressed with an impressive win at League Two leaders Plymouth.
United – who are managed by Keith Curle – currently sit 10th in the table, with only goal difference keeping them outside of the play-off places.
Striker Jabo Ibehre started the season in scintillating fashion, netting nine goals in his first seven appearances after arriving from Colchester over the summer.
Pompey took four points off Carlisle last season, winning 3-0 at Fratton Park before being denied victory in the return fixture by a last-gasp equaliser.
TEAM NEWS
Paul Jones (knee), Gary Roberts (ankle), Jayden Stockley (ankle), Matt Tubbs (ankle) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are all still sidelined.
Luke Joyce could return for the hosts after serving a three-match suspension.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 15 Wins
Carlisle: 13 Wins
9 Draws
At Carlisle
Pompey: 3 Wins
Carlisle: 10 Wins
6 Draws
Last Meeting
Carlisle 2 (Dempsey, Wyke)
Pompey 2 (Wallace, Tubbs)
League Two
April 3 2015
QUOTES
Read what Paul Cook has had to say about Saturday’s match or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Kyle Bennett.
MATCH COVERAGE
Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can listen to live online commentary from Brunton Park from 2pm on Saturday.