Pompey returned to winning ways at Blackpool last Saturday following three successive league defeats.
Their run of poor form before then did not result in much of a tumble down the table, however, and Kenny Jackett’s side are now in 11th position.
Southend are only below them on goal difference, with both sides sitting just three points adrift of the play-off spots.
After winning their opening game of the season against Blackburn, the Shrimpers went on a terrible run and failed to win their following nine fixtures in all competitions.
But they have managed to improve since then and have yet to be beaten at Roots Hall in the league so far this term.
United’s away form is not quite so impressive, however, with just a couple of three-point hauls to show from their eight matches on the road.
There have not been regular meetings between the teams in recent years, with only four previous clashes in the past 20 years.
You have to go all the way back to 1996 for the last time the Blues triumphed, with Lee Russell grabbing the winner at Fratton Park.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are without the injured trio of Milan Lalkovic (Achilles), Damien McCrory (knee) and Jack Whatmough (knee).
But Stuart O’Keefe and Nathan Thompson are both available after serving one-match bans last weekend.
Ben Coker (leg) is missing for the visitors, but Anthony Wordsworth is expected to return from a calf problem.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett and Stuart O’Keefe have to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 15 Wins
Southend: 10 Wins
8 Draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 11 Wins
Southend: 2 Wins
4 Draws
TICKETS
Seats are on sale here, but spaces are now extremely limited.
The booths behind the Fratton End will be open from 11am on Saturday to sell tickets for future home games. Click here to find out which games are currently on sale.
Pompey’s ticket office will be open for enquiries and upgrades only, while collections can be made from main reception.
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 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 10/11 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 3/1.
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
Bristol Rovers v AFC Wimbledon
Bury v Blackburn
Charlton v MK Dons
Fleetwood v Doncaster
Northampton v Scunthorpe
Oldham v Rochdale
Peterborough v Blackpool
Plymouth v Oxford
Rotherham v Shrewsbury
Walsall v Gillingham
Wigan v Bradford
LAST TIME OUT