Christmas is a time to relax for many of us, providing an opportunity to eat, drink and generally be merry.
But it is one of the most challenging times of the season for Pompey, who host each of League One’s top three clubs between now and Boxing Day.
There are clashes with Ipswich and Wycombe to come – as well as a long trip to Accrington – but first up is a visit from Peterborough.
Darren Ferguson’s men are currently sitting in third spot, four points behind the second-placed Tractor Boys, having played one game more.
Those sides actually met in the Leasing.com Trophy on Wednesday evening, with a much-changed Posh outfit going down on penalties.
It is the collection of points that will be the priority, however, as United try to return to the Championship for the first time since 2013.
Their haul of 40 league goals so far this term is comfortably more than any other third tier side, with only Manchester City from English football’s top four divisions managing more.
Trying to keep them out at the other end are former Pompey full-backs Dan Butler and Nathan Thompson.
The Blues enjoyed two wins over Saturday’s opponents last season, although a 3-2 defeat at Fratton Park in April ended their hopes of automatic promotion.
TEAM NEWS
Tom Naylor will be aiming for a return to the side, with Pompey’s skipper back in full training following a hamstring injury.
But Marcus Harness received a knock to the knee in Tuesday’s Leasing.com Trophy win over Northampton and is a doubt.
Jack Whatmough needs a reserve game before he will be considered for selection, while Bryn Morris (groin) is out.
The visitors have doubts over three key players, with Siriki Dembele hurting his wrist and Joe Ward his groin in the midweek shoot-out defeat to Ipswich.
Marcus Maddison missed that match through illness, while Frazer Blake-Tracy (ankle), George Boyd (knee) and Josh Knight (thigh) are all carrying injuries.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Craig MacGillivray or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 11 wins
Peterborough: 8 wins
8 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 7 wins
Peterborough: 6 wins
2 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure seats online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office, although there is now limited availability.
Subject to availability, they can also be bought from the ticket office in Frogmore Road from 9am on Saturday.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Assistants: Carl Fitch-Jackson and Leigh Crowhurst
Fourth Official: John Flynn
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 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.
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 visitors can be backed at 12/5.
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
All games kick-off at 3pm
Blackpool v Fleetwood
Bolton v AFC Wimbledon
Bristol Rovers v Southend
Burton v Lincoln
Coventry v Ipswich
Doncaster v MK Dons
Gillingham v Sunderland
Oxford v Shrewsbury
Rotherham v Rochdale
Tranmere v Accrington
LAST MEETING