Pompey will look to recover from just their fourth league loss of the season when they visit Oxford on Saturday.
They still enjoy a four-point lead at League One summit, with nearest rivals Luton and Sunderland sharing the points last weekend.
The Blues’ next opponents are also desperate to accumulate points – although for a very different reason.
Karl Robinson’s men are currently sitting inside the drop zone, but are only a single point behind the safety line.
United have failed to win any of their past five league fixtures – a run that included three successive defeats before a 2-2 draw at Fleetwood in their most recent outing.
Their FA Cup and Carabao Cup campaigns both ended at the third round, going out to Brentford and Manchester City respectively.
But Oxford have – like Pompey – reached the quarter-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy, seeing off Cheltenham on penalties to set up next week’s clash with Bury.
The Blues eased to a 4-1 victory when the sides met on the south coast back in August, despite Gareth Evans having a penalty saved.
He redeemed himself by netting after the break, however, and Jamal Lowe added a brace, while Rob Dickie found his own net.
TEAM NEWS
Lee Brown and Ben Close are both back in contention for Pompey, while Bryn Morris could make his debut after signing from Shrewsbury.
But Andre Green has been recalled from his loan spell by Aston Villa and the Blues are still missing Oli Hawkins (calf), Luke McGee (wrist) and Nathan Thompson (hamstring).
Shandon Baptiste, Rob Hall and Jon Obika all have long-term injuries for the hosts, with former Pompey winger Ricky Holmes (back) also out and Jamie Hanson (ankle) a doubt.
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 videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 25 wins
Oxford: 21 wins
17 draws
At Oxford
Pompey: 8 wins
Oxford: 17 wins
8 draws
TICKETS
Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and no more will be available to buy on the day of the game.
Fans travelling to the game can click here for a guide to the stadium.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andy 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 13/10 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 21/10.
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
AFC Wimbledon v Barnsley
Blackpool v Shrewsbury
Bradford v Southend
Bristol Rovers v Wycombe
Charlton v Accrington
Doncaster v Burton
Gillingham v Walsall
Luton v Peterborough
Plymouth v Coventry
Rochdale v Fleetwood
Scunthorpe v Sunderland
LAST MEETING