Pompey have seen a return to form in recent weeks and will be looking to secure another victory against Scunthorpe on Saturday.
Kenny Jackett’s side have won two of their past three games – scoring nine goals in the process – to restore hopes of a promotion push.
But the Blues have also opened up a 13-point gap on seventh position to increase their chances of at least securing a play-off spot.
Their next opponents are currently down in 15th and, such with the bottom half of the table so tightly bunched, not out of relegation danger.
Stuart McCall’s men will want to increase their four-point buffer on the drop zone to secure a sixth successive season in League One.
A run of four fixtures without a win was ended earlier in the week when they fought from behind to beat Southend 4-1 on home soil.
The Iron reached the play-offs in both of the previous two seasons and were beaten on aggregate by Rotherham last term.
Tom Naylor and Gareth Evans found the target when Pompey won 2-1 at Glanford Park earlier in the season, while the most recent Fratton Park meeting ended 1-1.
TEAM NEWS
Ronan Curtis is out after severely damaging his finger earlier in the week, while there is a doubt over James Vaughan (back).
Pompey are also still missing Andy Cannon (quad), Bryn Morris (knee) and Jack Whatmough (knee).
Scunthorpe will be without Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (knee), Jordan Clarke (knee), Ryan Colclough (knee), Matthew Lund (knee), Josh Morris (ankle), Levi Sutton (groin) and Rory Watson (arm).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Viv Solomon-Otabor or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 9 wins
Scunthorpe: 9 wins
9 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 5 wins
Scunthorpe: 3 wins
5 draws
TICKETS
Seats can be secured online here or from the Anson Road ticket office, with tickets cheaper if bought in advance.
Subject to availability, they can also be purchased from the matchday ticket office on Frogmore Road on the day of the game.
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 17/4.
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
Kick-off 3pm unless stated
Tonight
Doncaster v Barnsley (7.45pm)
Saturday
Accrington v Rochdale
Bristol Rovers v Charlton
Burton v Blackpool
Fleetwood v Plymouth
Luton v Gillingham
Oxford v Bradford
Peterborough v Coventry
Shrewsbury v Wycombe
Southend v AFC Wimbledon
Sunderland v Walsall
LAST MEETING