Pompey will aim to stretch their unbeaten run to four league matches when they visit AFC Wimbledon this weekend.
The word ‘struggling’ would likely have preceded the name of the hosts before their recent revival, although they still sit just inside the drop zone.
A dreadful opening saw the opening 11 fixtures fail to yield a single victory – 13 if you include games in all competitions.
But they head into Saturday’s Kingsmeadow contest on the back of successive League One victories over Rochdale and Southend.
Sandwiched between them was another triumph against Leyton Orient in the Leasing.com Trophy that keeps alive hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
That is despite manager Wally Downes being suspended after being charged with – and admitting to – betting on matches.
He has since been banned from all football-related activity until the middle of next month, with assistant Glyn Hodges running things in his absence.
Pompey came out on top in last season’s corresponding fixture, with Tom Naylor and Gareth Evans on target in a 2-1 victory.
TEAM NEWS
Brett Pitman is a major doubt with a groin injury, while Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are definitely out.
Pompey can call upon the services of Craig MacGillivray and Ross McCrorie following their return from international duty.
Will Nightingale (hip) and Callum Reilly (groin) could miss out for the hosts, who currently have Rod McDonald (knee), Luke O’Neill (calf) and Adam Roscrow (thigh) sidelined.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Gareth Evans or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 6 wins
AFC Wimbledon: 4 wins
1 draw
At Kingsmeadow
Pompey: 3 wins
AFC Wimbledon: 2 wins
0 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans have snapped up their entire allocation of tickets and no more will be made available.
Supporters collecting tickets at Kingsmeadow should visit the ticket office window next to the entrance for players and officials.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Purkiss
Assistants: Paul Yates and Nicholas Cooper
Fourth Official: Andrew Aylott
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew 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 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.
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 19/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 13/5.
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
Lincoln v Shrewsbury (7.45pm)
Tranmere v Southend (7.45pm)
Saturday
Bolton v Rochdale
Doncaster v Bristol Rovers
Fleetwood v Burton
Gillingham v Peterborough
MK Dons v Coventry
Rotherham v Oxford
Wycombe v Sunderland
Sunday
Accrington v Ipswich (12pm)
LAST MEETING