It was only seven weeks ago that Pompey last made the long trip to the Fylde coast to take on Fleetwood.
They won 2-1 that day – courtesy of goals from James Bolton and John Marquis – to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
But now it is League One points on the line, as two teams in the hunt for promotion meet at Highbury Stadium.
The Cod Army are just two points – and the same number of places – behind the Blues in eighth position.
And Joey Barton’s men will enter the contest on the back of a four-match winning streak that includes the scalps of high-flying Wycombe and Peterborough.
That in turn followed a more concerning run of eight games that contained plenty of draws, but no victories.
Town are looking to secure Championship football for the first time, having been competing in the Northern Premier League as recently as 2008.
The sides will do battle again at Fratton Park in a little over a fortnight – a contest that was postponed by Fleetwood in November because of international call-ups.
TEAM NEWS
Kenny Jackett is hoping to have Andy Cannon (glute) and Ellis Harrison (leg) available for selection this weekend.
But Bryn Morris is not yet ready for first team action, having recently returned to training following a long-term groin problem.
Fleetwood striker Ched Evans is currently serving a three-match ban after being sent for elbowing Wycombe’s Jason McCarthy.
The hosts will also be without Kyle Dempsey (back) and Jordan Rossiter (knee), who are both suffering with long-term injuries.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Steve Seddon or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 5 wins
Exeter: 2 wins
0 draws
At Highbury Stadium
Pompey: 3 wins
Fleetwood: 1 win
0 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can pay on the day at the Fleetwood ticket office, with collections from the booth outside the club shop.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Matthew Donohue
Assistants: Nik Barnard and James Wilson
Fourth Official: Mark Cunliffe
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 and Fleetwood are both available at 13/8 to win on Saturday with Sky Bet, with the draw at 21/10.
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
All games kick-off at 3pm
Accrington v Rotherham
AFC Wimbledon v Blackpool
Ipswich v Oxford
Lincoln v Gillingham
MK Dons v Bolton
Rochdale v Coventry
Shrewsbury v Doncaster
Southend v Burton
Sunderland v Bristol Rovers
Wycombe v Tranmere
LAST LEAGUE MEETING