The result of Pompey’s next match could have a big say in their promotion chances.
Victory over Barnsley at Fratton Park would close the gap on the second-placed side to two points, while defeat would see it stretch to eight.
And following a run of four successive draws, the hosts are certainly looking for better than the 1-1 stalemate played out at Oakwell before Christmas.
Kenny Jackett knows his side need to improve on recent displays and believes the home crowd will provide assistance.
The Blues boss said: “Fratton Park is famous for the fans getting behind their team, even if it is a tense stage of the season.
"Are they nervous at times because games can go either way? Yes. Do they want us to get promoted? Of course they do.
"Are we producing the quality needed to go on and win matches? Not at the moment and that’s what we have to try to add."
“It’s a big game for us after four draws on the spin, which shows we’re hard to beat and have got character.
“But are we producing the quality needed to go on and win matches? Not at the moment and that’s what we have to try to add.
“The top two will have high points total. We’re just creeping into the 60s and will have to get right up there, but we’ll keep chasing.
“We’ll always believe it’s possible, especially if we can build some momentum. We will need to win a high percentage if we want to finish in the automatic places.”
Pompey’s opponents are unbeaten in 13 League One matches since suffering a narrow defeat at Wycombe back in December.
Jackett said: “Barnsley are on a very good run and are making a decent fist of getting back up to the Championship.
“They have a strong squad, with different types of threat all over the pitch – from quick full-backs to options in attack.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to and also one that we have to rise to because we want to turn these draws into wins.”
Pompey have no new injury concerns, although January loan signing Lloyd Isgrove cannot feature against his parent club.
Jackett said: “Everyone’s okay from Tuesday night and we’ll be selecting from the same squad at the weekend.
“Dion Donohue and Omar Bogle both had slight knocks and we’re a few days further on, so they’ll be in a better place physically.
“We’ll see about Luke McGee because he’s had his first day of full training and it’s just a case of when we decide to put him back in.”