Pompey will aim to gift wrap the perfect present for their supporters by winning at Shrewsbury on Saturday.
The final match before Christmas sees Kenny Jackett’s side come up against a team currently sitting second in the League One standings.
And the hosts will be keen for a victory, as otherwise Blackburn or Bradford could snatch their spot in the top two.
The Shropshire outfit have been magnificent on their own patch so far this term, dropping just five points from 10 games.
Bradford are the only side to have left Montgomery Waters Meadow with a maximum haul, while Blackburn managed to secure a draw.
Paul Hurst’s men also have an FA Cup third round encounter with West Ham to look forward to on home soil, having already seen off Aldershot and Morecambe.
Saturday’s contest marks the midway point of the season, with the Shrews the only side Pompey have yet to face.
And the Blues will be keen to get back on track, having lost each of the clubs’ three most recent meetings.
TEAM NEWS
Oliver Hawkins will be available for Pompey after recovering from a hamstring problem, but Stuart O’Keefe has picked up an adductor injury.
The midfielder joins Milan Lalkovic (Achilles), Kal Naismith (knee) and Jack Whatmough (knee) on the sidelines.
Shrewsbury will still be without long-term absentees Junior Brown (knee) and Zak Jules (hamstring).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett has to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 12 wins
Shrewsbury: 7 wins
2 draws
At Shrewsbury
Pompey: 2 wins
Shrewsbury: 6 wins
2 draws
TICKETS
Seats can still be secured (cash only) from the away end of the ground at Shrewsbury on the day of the game. Click here for more details.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary of Saturday’s game by signing into their account and visiting the match centre.
Overseas subscribers can watch the match live by following the same instructions.
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 also have updates on Twitter and via the match centre.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with
highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent (not online), while The News will also have extensive coverage.
BETTING
Shrewsbury are narrow 17/10 favourites with Sky Bet to collect all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 9/5.
Click here to read our full betting guide and sign-up at www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers and promotions. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Friday
Fleetwood v Gillingham (7pm)
Saturday
Northampton v Blackburn (2pm)
AFC Wimbledon v Bradford
Bristol Rovers v Doncaster
Charlton v Blackpool
Oxford v Wigan
Peterborough v Bury
Plymouth v Oldham
Rochdale v Walsall
Rotherham v MK Dons
Scunthorpe v Southend
LAST TIME OUT