Boss looks ahead to Carlisle clash
It is a mouth-watering clash between two sides pushing for automatic promotion from League Two.
Pompey make the long trip to Carlisle this weekend looking to close the six-point gap on their third-placed hosts.
Paul Cook does not believe the result of the Brunton Park clash will make or break their season.
But he is hoping to leave the north-west with points in the bag ahead of a hectic run of matches.
The Blues boss said: “With 15 games to go there aren’t many teams who can be written off and there are some tasty fixtures this weekend – including our one.
“We’ve got to stay as positive as possible and look to pick up as many points as we can before the end of the season.
“We’re very focused on trying to be promoted automatically and we’ve got a difficult game against one of our competitors.
“Carlisle have had a fantastic season. Sometimes they get written off by people after a defeat, but they continually bounce back.
“Keith Curle’s managed to assemble a squad with plenty of calibre – they’ve got a lot of strong characters.
“If we get beaten at Carlisle then we’re not out of the race and if we win then we’re not promoted – there’s so much still to play for.
“But if you were to offer me seven points from the week again then I would bite your hand off. That would be a great return.”
Cook also revealed that recent signing Stanley Aborah is closer to making his Blues bow after impressing during the week.
He said: “Stanley’s done really well in training. He’s got a lot of qualities, especially on the ball, so I’m sure he’s got a part to play in the run-in.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match video content.