Kenny Jackett is searching for the perfect balance as Pompey try to breathe new life into their promotion quest.
They currently sit third in the League One standings and travel to Home Park to face 16th-placed Plymouth on Saturday.
But the form table tells a different story, with the men from Hampshire collecting a single point from their past four games, while the Devon outfit have won five of their six most recent fixtures.
And Jackett knows his side have to get things right at both ends of the pitch if they are to get back on track.
The Blues boss said: “We certainly need a win in the league – we know that and are trying everything we can to get it.
“But we have a good squad of players and it’s up to me to get the right combination out on the pitch on Saturday.
"If you want to have a successful season then you need a sprint finish where you can put a consistent run of wins together."
“We need to be at our best defensively and offensively to get the results we need and we’re certainly capable of it.
“We’re looking for the right blend and balance to get both a clean sheet and the goals that can make a difference.
“If you want to have a successful season then you need a sprint finish where you can put a consistent run of wins together.”
AFC Wimbledon were the only side keeping Plymouth off the foot of the table at the start of 2019, but Argyle’s resurgence means they are now four points clear of the drop zone.
Jackett said: “They are in good form and they’re usually competitive games between the sides, full of quality football.
“Plymouth have pulled themselves out of trouble and always seem to have a strong second half to the season.”
Pompey will have to do without Jack Whatmough for the rest of the season after the defender injured his knee against Doncaster last week.
Jackett said: “Jack’s got a tear on his articular cartilage, which is something he’s had before and it will require an operation.
“Lloyd Isgrove has picked up a knee injury in training, which is frustrating, and I don’t know whether or not he’ll be available.
“There will be tests on Bryn Morris and Dion Donohue on Friday, although I would expect both to be fit.”