Pompey’s run of games against promotion-chasing sides begins with the visit of Scunthorpe to Fratton Park.
Kenny Jackett’s side are searching for their first victory of 2018 following defeat at Bristol Rovers and Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy exit to Chelsea’s under-21 side.
But they still occupy the final position in the League One play-off places, albeit just a single point ahead of Rotherham and Charlton.
The Iron are two spots higher in fourth position and should be feeling fresh – they have not been in action since New Year’s Day.
Graham Alexander’s men will also have one eye on trying to close the five-point gap between them and the automatic promotion spots.
Scunthorpe just missed out on that prize last term and there was further disappointment when they were beaten over two legs by Millwall in the play-offs.
They came out on top when the sides met at Glanford Park last September, with goals from Lee Novak and Duane Holmes securing a 2-0 victory.
In fact, United have won each of the past four clashes, with the last Pompey triumph occurring at Fratton Park in September 2012.
TEAM NEWS
There could be a late decision made over the fitness of Ben Close (quad) and Nathan Thompson (ankle).
But Gareth Evans (hamstring), Brandon Haunstrup (knee), Milan Lalkovic (Achilles), Stuart O’Keefe (groin), Danny Rose (leg) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are all definitely sidelined.
Scunthorpe could hand debuts to January signings Cameron McGeehan, Ivan Toney and Ryan Yates.
They will be missing the injured pair of Jordan Clarke (hamstring) and Jonathon Margetts (knee), with Andrew Crofts (ankle) and Sam Mantom (thigh) both doubts.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett on Saturday’s game and Jamal Lowe on signing a new contract or subscribe to a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 8 Wins
Scunthorpe: 9 Wins
8 Draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 5 Wins
Scunthorpe: 3 Wins
4 Draws
TICKETS
Seats can be secured online here or from the Frogmore Road ticket office.
Subject to availability, they can be bought on the day of the game from the booths behind the Fratton End.
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 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 21/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 11/4.
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
Blackburn v Shrewsbury
Blackpool v Bristol Rovers
Bradford v Northampton
Bury v Charlton
Doncaster v Plymouth
Gillingham v Rochdale
MK Dons v AFC Wimbledon
Oldham v Rotherham
Southend v Fleetwood
Walsall v Oxford
Wigan v Peterborough
LAST MEETING