Pompey make their longest trek of the season with a stamina-busting midweek visit to Fleetwood this evening.
The match was originally scheduled for the first Saturday in January, but the hosts’ run to the third round of the FA Cup – where they took Leicester to a replay – dictated a switch.
Those clashes with the recent Premier League champions came in the midst of an encouraging spell for the Cod Army.
They had finished 2017 with successive victories and a win at Southend just over a month ago left the Lancashire outfit just seven points adrift of the final play-off place.
But a disastrous string of five successive league defeats – with a Checkatrade Trophy exit sandwiched in the middle – means it is now just goal difference keeping them outside the drop zone.
That poor form resulted in the dismissal of manager Uwe Rosler at the weekend, with coaches Barry Nicholson and David Lucas taking temporary charge.
Braces from Brett Pitman and Jamal Lowe saw Pompey ease to a 4-1 win when the sides clashed at Fratton Park back in September.
But they were beaten 3-1 on their only previous visit to Highbury in 2014, with Fleetwood going on to win League Two promotion via the play-offs.
TEAM NEWS
Gareth Evans and Brett Pitman will both miss out, having suffered hamstring injuries against Southend on Saturday.
Nathan Thompson starts a four-match ban after being sent off for the second time this season at Roots Hall.
Matty Kennedy returns from an ankle problem, but the Blues are still without Stephen Henderson (thigh), Stuart O’Keefe (groin) and Danny Rose (leg).
Fleetwood are close to having a fully-fit squad available, with midfielder George Glendon (calf) the only doubt.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Brandon Haunstrup or subscribe for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 1 win
Fleetwood: 2 wins
0 Draws
At Highbury Stadium
Fleetwood: 1 win
Pompey: 0 wins
0 draws
TICKETS
Seats and terrace places can be bought at Highbury Stadium this evening. Click here for more details.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary of the 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 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 Wednesday.
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 the 8/5 favourites with Sky Bet to collect all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 19/10.
Click here to read our full betting guide and sign-up to www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers and promotions. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Tonight
Shrewsbury v Gillingham
Tomorrow
Rochdale v MK Dons
LAST MEETING