Pompey fans can look back on an encouraging 2018 that saw them narrowly miss out on the play-offs before mounting an automatic promotion bid.
Now they will look to finish the job in the first half of 2019 – with AFC Wimbledon providing the first obstacle to overcome.
Kenny Jackett’s side ensured they would begin the new year at the League One summit, but have Luton breathing right down their necks.
Their next opponents are also desperate for points, as only Plymouth are currently keeping them off the foot of the table.
But the Dons have enjoyed a fruitful festive period that started with an away victory at Wycombe just before Christmas.
They followed that up by beating their relegation rivals from Devon on Boxing Day, then drew with Blackpool at the weekend.
It leaves Wally Downes’ men – who visit Fleetwood in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday – sitting four points behind the safety mark.
The sides have already met twice this term, with Wimbledon winning 2-1 at Fratton Park in the Carabao Cup, while the Blues gained revenge by the same scoreline in the league at Kingsmeadow.
TEAM NEWS
Full-backs Lee Brown and Nathan Thompson are both sidelined with hamstring problems, while Luke McGee (wrist) is also out.
James Hanson (hip) and Deji Oshilaja (ankle) are doubts for the visitors, who are definitely missing Joe Pigott (thigh) and Scott Wagstaff (calf).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
“A big thing for us is putting on a performance of quality and passion that brings our supporters into play.
“AFC Wimbledon are under new management now and have had some positive results lately – there are no easy games in this division.”
Click here to read the full thoughts of Kenny Jackett ahead of Tuesday’s match.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall*
Pompey: 15 wins
AFC Wimbledon: 14 wins
9 draws
At Fratton Park*
Pompey: 9 wins
AFC Wimbledon: 5 wins
5 draws
*Includes results against Wimbledon FC
TICKETS
There is extremely limited seating available in the Milton End. Click here to secure your seat.
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 New Year’s Day.
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 Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 8/15 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 5/1.
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
Blackpool v Sunderland
Bradford v Accrington
Bristol Rovers v Burton
Charlton v Walsall
Doncaster v Rochdale
Luton v Barnsley
Peterborough v Scunthorpe
Plymouth v Oxford
Shrewsbury v Fleetwood
Southend v Gillingham
Wycombe v Coventry
LAST MEETING