Pompey return to the bread and butter of League One football after progressing in both the FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy.
With promotion rivals Sunderland and Luton meeting this weekend, they could extend their advantage at the top of the table.
But Kenny Jackett’s side will have see off a Blackpool outfit who have proved a difficult team to breach this term.
The Seasiders have conceded just 25 goals in the league – fewer than any other side outside of the top five.
They are currently sitting in 11th position and are 10 points adrift of the play-off spots, but only eight clear of the drop zone.
Gary Bowyer stepped down as manager after the opening game and Terry McPhillips’ reign as his replacement began with a 2-1 defeat to Pompey at Bloomfield Road.
Their form improved dramatically from that point, but has tailed off in recent weeks, with five losses from the past seven league fixtures.
Blackpool’s last outing saw them beaten 3-0 by Arsenal on home soil in the FA Cup, while they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by the same opposition.
TEAM NEWS
Lee Brown is set to return to training next week following a hamstring injury, so Saturday’s game comes too soon for the left-back.
Ben Close (ankle), Oli Hawkins (calf), Luke McGee (wrist) and Nathan Thompson (hamstring) are also sidelined, but new signing Andy Cannon could make his debut.
Blackpool have a doubt over first choice keeper Mark Howard (groin), with Max Clayton (hamstring), Mark Cullen (hamstring) Joe Dodoo (ankle) and Jimmy Ryan (knee) definitely missing.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Matt Clarke or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 22 wins
Blackpool: 26 wins
22 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 15 wins
Blackpool: 10 wins
10 draws
TICKETS
There is limited seating in the Milton End still available, so click here to secure your seat before they sell out.
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 3/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 19/4.
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
Accrington v Bristol Rovers
Barnsley v Bradford
Burton v Gillingham
Coventry v AFC Wimbledon
Fleetwood v Oxford
Peterborough v Rochdale
Shrewsbury v Charlton
Southend v Plymouth
Sunderland v Luton
Walsall v Scunthorpe
Wycombe v Doncaster
LAST MEETING