It has been five long weeks since League One football graced the Fratton Park turf.
Pompey’s 2-2 draw with Burton is now a distant memory, with away games, cup clashes and a postponement delaying a return to south coast action.
So this evening’s clash with Walsall is certainly going to be eagerly anticipated by those crammed into the stadium.
Kenny Jackett’s table-toppers are in top form, having won each of their past four fixtures in all competitions.
Their opponents did them a favour at the weekend by taking a couple of points off second-placed Sunderland.
But Walsall will be cursing the fact that they failed to emerge victorious, having led by two goals against 10 men.
It leaves Dean Keates’ men sitting 11th in the third tier table after 19 games, having collected 27 points.
The Saddlers enjoyed a scintillating start to the season, with five wins from the opening six games, but have found success harder to come by in recent weeks.
Pompey came out on top when the sides last met in a Bescot Stadium encounter last Easter, courtesy of a late strike from Gareth Evans.
TEAM NEWS
Gareth Evans and Jamal Lowe limped off at Scunthorpe, but both are fit and available to face Walsall.
Joe Mason (groin) is not quite ready to return to action, while Dion Donohue (hamstring) is also sidelined.
Walsall are missing Adam Chambers (foot) and Kory Roberts (leg), while Zeli Ismail (thigh) is a doubt after picking up an injury against Sunderland.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Oli Hawkins or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 11 wins
Walsall: 7 wins
9 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 7 wins
Walsall: 3 wins
4 draws
TICKETS
Secure your seat online here or pay a visit to the Anson Road ticket office.
From 5.30pm this evening, tickets will also be available (subject to availability) from the matchday ticket office in Frogmore Road.
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK and Ireland can watch the action live, with commentary and graphics. It is priced £10 for a match pass. Click here for more details.
Domestic subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm.
Please note that subscribers will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch the action, with commentary starting 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 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors 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
Accrington v Wycombe
Bristol Rovers v Gillingham
Burton v Charlton
Doncaster v Blackpool
Fleetwood v Coventry
Luton v Bradford
Oxford v Rochdale
Peterborough v AFC Wimbledon
Shrewsbury v Plymouth
Southend v Scunthorpe
Sunderland v Barnsley
LAST MEETING