Pompey will look to make it 10 League One games unbeaten when they make the long trip to Rochdale this weekend.
Kenny Jackett’s side could also regain top spot from Peterborough with victory at Spotland on Saturday.
Their opponents are currently down in 14th position and suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Sunderland in their last outing.
Dale’s solitary league success on home soil came against struggling Gillingham the previous week, although they did also see off Bury in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The north-west outfit only managed to secure their third tier status on a dramatic final day of the 2017/18 campaign.
With Oldham managing just a draw, Rochdale’s narrow victory over Charlton was enough for them to finish above the trapdoor.
It means they are now competing at this level for a fifth successive season, having won automatic promotion in 2014.
Brett Pitman bagged a brace when the sides last met at Spotland back in April, while a late own-goal from Matt Done ensured a 3-3 draw.
TEAM NEWS
Andre Green (knee) is still injured, while Dion Donohue is not ready to feature after returning to training following a hamstring problem.
Rochdale will be without defender Connor Randall, as the former Pompey trialist is recovering from a fractured cheekbone.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ben Close or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 5 wins
Rochdale: 1 win
2 draws
At Spotland
Pompey: 2 wins
Rochdale: 1 win
1 draw
TICKETS
Pompey fans can buy tickets from the cash turnstiles or at the Rochdale ticket office on the day of the game. Click here for more details.
Fans travelling to Spotland are reminded that the M27 is closed all weekend between junctions three and four, so all westbound traffic will be diverted on to the M2
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Ian Wilding 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 narrow 8/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 17/10.
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
Coventry v Sunderland (12.30pm)
AFC Wimbledon v Oxford
Bradford v Bristol Rovers
Burton v Scunthorpe
Fleetwood v Barnsley
Luton v Charlton
Peterborough v Blackpool
Plymouth v Doncaster
Shrewsbury v Gillingham
Walsall v Accrington
Wycombe v Southend
LAST MEETING