Pompey’s run of fiendish festive fixtures continues with a trip to face Barnsley in League One this weekend.
With snow forecast for the north of England on Saturday, the visitors will be hoping their promotion quest does not freeze at Oakwell.
Kenny Jackett’s men will be looking for a response to their midweek home defeat by Charlton – just the second league loss suffered so far this season.
Their latest opponents were – along with Sunderland – considered favourites to go up before a ball had been kicked in the summer.
Both teams were relegated at the end of the last season, with Barnsley’s fate sealed by a 4-1 reverse at Derby on the final day.
They are certainly still in the running to secure an instant return, although successive defeats have seen them slip to sixth.
It leaves the Tykes sitting six points behind Luton, who currently occupy that all-important second automatic promotion position.
Pompey fans will need to be wary of their hosts’ home form, as they are one of three clubs in the division yet to be beaten on their own turf.
The Blues were beaten 2-0 on their last trip to Oakwell in February 2012, although many will still remember the Robert Prosinecki-inspired 4-1 triumph there in 2001.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are missing David Wheeler (hamstring), but Dion Donohue is available for selection again after coming through a midweek reserve game unscathed.
Ben Thompson is also allowed to feature after the club successfully appealed his red card for serious foul play against Charlton.
Barnsley are hoping that striker Cauley Woodrow will be fit enough to feature after injuring his calf at Wycombe last weekend.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Tom Naylor or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 21 wins
Barnsley: 18 wins
12 draws
At Oakwell
Pompey: 7 wins
Barnsley: 13 wins
6 draws
TICKETS
Fans can secure their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office until 4pm today.
They can also be purchased from North Stand cash turnstiles at Oakwell on the day of the game, although there is a price increase. Click here for more details.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 2pm on Saturday.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch the action – now with on-screen graphics – and commentary will begin from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
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 have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story and Snapchat account.
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 by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Barnsley are the 5/4 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 2/1.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Doncaster v Scunthorpe (12.15pm)
Bradford v Walsall
Charlton v AFC Wimbledon
Coventry v Luton
Fleetwood v Burton
Gillingham v Wycombe
Oxford v Blackpool
Rochdale v Plymouth
Shrewsbury v Peterborough
Southend v Accrington
Sunderland v Bristol Rovers
CLASSIC CONTEST
🗓 After going a goal down at @BarnsleyFC in 2001, this happened 👇
— Portsmouth FC (@officialpompey) December 13, 2018
A Jamie Vincent side-footed volley from outside the box 😲
A @petercrouch header 🤯
A brace from Lee Bradbury ⚽️⚽️
Oh, and not forgetting the usual wizardry from Prosinecki 💫#ThrowbackThursday #Pompey pic.twitter.com/3KLJx00bW4