Pompey return to league action this weekend after experiencing contrasting fortunes in cup competitions.
Last Saturday’s FA Cup exit at Luton was followed by victory over Charlton to progress in the Checkatrade Trophy.
There is no doubting that climbing the League One standings is the Blues’ number one priority, however.
Three successive defeats to Doncaster, Blackburn and Bradford has left them 14th in the table – five points away from both the play-off spots and relegation zone.
Their opponents are two places higher and the only one of last season’s promoted sides currently above Pompey.
But Blackpool are also searching for a return to form following losses against Blackburn and Northampton, as well as a cup humbling at the hands of Boreham Wood.
Gary Bowyer’s men are in the third tier after seeing off Luton and then beating Exeter at Wembley in last May’s play-off final.
Gareth Evans and Eoin Doyle netted in a 2-0 victory when the sides met at Fratton Park back in February, although it was the Seasiders who triumphed 3-1 in the most recent Bloomfield Road clash.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey will be without Stuart O’Keefe and Nathan Thompson, who are both serving a one-match ban.
Damien McCrory (knee) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are still sidelined, while Milan Lalkovic (Achilles) is also injured.
Blackpool are missing Mark Cullen (hamstring) and Clark Robertson (foot), with Kyle Vassell (hamstring) unlikely to feature.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett and Curtis Main have to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 20 wins
Blackpool: 25 wins
22 draws
At Bloomfield Road
Pompey: 5 wins
Blackpool: 16 wins
12 draws
TICKETS
Seats can be secured from the kiosk next to the away turnstiles (cash only) at Bloomfield Road on the day of the game. Click here for a list of prices.
MATCH COVERAGE
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 match 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
Pompey are 11/8 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 2/1.
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
Doncaster v Rotherham (12.30pm)
Bradford v Plymouth
Gillingham v Bury
MK Dons v Fleetwood
Oxford v Northampton
Scunthorpe v Bristol Rovers
Sunday
AFC Wimbledon v Peterborough (2.30pm)
LAST MEETING