The latest international break threatened to leave Pompey with yet another blank weekend in this stop-start season.
But the Blues made the decision to go ahead with Saturday’s fixture against Gillingham and try to build some more momentum.
Back-to-back victories over Bolton and Doncaster mean that Kenny Jackett’s side are slowly starting to climb the League One standings.
But they will be targeting higher than their current position of 16th, which is one place and one point behind this weekend’s Fratton visitors.
The Gills – who appointed Steve Evans as boss over the summer – have played two more matches than their hosts.
They enjoyed a relatively comfortable 3-1 victory over struggling Southend last Saturday, with former Pompey loanee Stuart O’Keefe among the scorers.
It was not a happy day for every member of the Kent outfit, however, as Mikael Ndjoli hit the post with one penalty and saw another saved.
They were, like the Blues, in Leasing.com Trophy action during the week, although a much-changed side were thrashed 4-0 at Ipswich.
Gillingham have yet to win on their travels so far this term, but have tasted success in each of their past two league visits to Fratton Park.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are without first choice keeper Craig MacGillivray and midfielder Ross McCrorie, who are away on Scottish international duty.
Ronan Curtis withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad with a tight hamstring, but has recovered and been given the green light to feature.
Tom Naylor and John Marquis have both recovered from knocks, with Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) all sidelined.
Both sides are likely to make multiple changes after resting key players for Leasing.com Trophy matches during the week.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Lee Brown or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 19 wins
Gillingham: 9 wins
7 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 12 wins
Gillingham: 2 wins
4 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.
Subject to availability, they can also be bought from both ticket offices from 9am on Saturday.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Graham Salisbury
Assistants: Christopher Wade and Paul Kelly
Fourth Official: Lee Collins
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 4/6 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 18/5.
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
Saturday
Blackpool v Rotherham
Bristol Rovers v MK Dons
Oxford v Doncaster
Peterborough v Lincoln
Rochdale v Accrington
Southend v AFC Wimbledon
Sunday
Coventry v Tranmere (12pm)
LAST MEETING