Pompey undoubtedly face their biggest game of the season when they host Sunderland on Thursday evening.
The Wearsiders hold a narrow advantage, courtesy of Chris Maguire’s fine strike in the first leg at the Stadium of Light.
This will be the fifth time the sides have met this season, with the Blues securing four points in the league and triumphing on penalties at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Now they are aiming for a return to the national stadium, where either Charlton or Doncaster would be the opponents.
Pompey are ultimately trying to secure Championship football for the first time since 2012, with both sides having suffered a high-profile fall of grace.
The Wearsiders’ descent has been more recent, though, with successive relegations dumping them in the third tier.
With a new owner and manager – Stewart Donald and Jack Ross respectively – installed last summer, Black Cats fans are starting to look up again.
Their club suffered just five League One defeats this season – including one on the south coast – but 19 draws cost them automatic promotion.
And Fratton Park is now ready for the latest chapter in this recent rivalry – and it promises to be the most exciting one yet.
TEAM NEWS
There are doubts over Lee Brown (Achilles) and Brett Pitman (hamstring) after the duo missed the first leg.
Dion Donohue (groin), Brandon Haunstrup (knee) and Jack Whatmough (knee) will all be missing for the hosts.
Alim Ozturk is available for the visitors after successfully appealing the red card shown to him at the Stadium of Light.
Aidn McGeady (foot) was a late withdrawal from that game and continues to be assessed, but Duncan Watmore (ankle) could return.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Tom Naylor or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 34 wins
Sunderland: 38 wins
34 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 24 wins
Sunderland: 11 wins
17 draws
TICKETS
Seats have sold out for Thursday’s game. Click here for information on collections and parking.
MATCH COVERAGE
iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm on Thursday.
The game has been selected for live television coverage, so there will be no video on iFollow for overseas subscribers.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football, while overseas supporters should check their local listings.
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 Friday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Sunderland are the 2/5 favourites with Sky Bet to reach the final, while Pompey can be backed at 7/4.
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
Friday
Charlton v Doncaster
LAST FRATTON MEETING