Recent games have seen Pompey put their league ambitions on hold to focus on progressing in cup competitions.
But the battle for points resumes at Glanford Park on Saturday when Kenny Jackett’s side visit Scunthorpe.
International call-ups saw last week’s clash with Charlton postponed and Sunderland missed the chance to knock the Blues off top spot.
But they know that the only way to guarantee staying there is by securing a first victory on The Iron’s patch since 1963.
It has not been a happy hunting ground for Pompey in recent years, with a 5-1 hammering in 2014 their biggest low.
Lee Novak and Duane Holmes were on target to secure a comfortable win for the hosts in last season’s meeting.
Scunthorpe have reached the third tier play-offs in each of the past two campaigns, but are finding life a bit trickier this time around.
Stuart McCall’s men are currently in 17th spot and recently suffered five successive league defeats, although did beat Bristol Rovers in their last outing.
TEAM NEWS
Brett Pitman has recovered from a minor knee problem, but Pompey are still without Dion Donohue (hamstring) and Joe Mason (groin).
Ryan Coloclough is a long-term absentee for Scunthorpe, while the hosts are also missing Jordan Clarke (shoulder), Matt Gilks (knee), Josh Morris (jaw), Levi Sutton (thigh) and Rory Watson (arm).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Lee Brown or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 8 wins
Scunthorpe: 9 wins
9 draws
At Scunthorpe
Pompey: 2 wins
Scunthorpe: 6 wins
4 draws
TICKETS
Seats can be secured from Pompey until 4pm on Friday or bought from the cash turnstiles at Scunthorpe on the day of the game. Click here for more information.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew 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
Pompey are the 19/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 11/4.
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
Tonight
Coventry v Peterborough (7.45pm)
Saturday
AFC Wimbledon v Southend
Barnsley v Doncaster
Blackpool v Burton
Bradford v Oxford
Charlton v Bristol Rovers
Gillingham v Luton
Plymouth v Fleetwood
Rochdale v Accrington
Walsall v Sunderland
Wycombe v Shrewsbury
LAST MEETING