Pompey and Tranmere have experienced contrasting fortunes at the start of 2020.
Kenny Jackett’s men enjoyed an unbeaten January and began February by beating Sunderland – their eighth successive victory.
It means that the Blues are just three points adrift of the automatic promotion places and still competing in two cup competitions.
But their next opponents have yet to taste league success in this calendar year and are aiming to keep their place in the division rather than escape it.
But Micky Mellon’s men are inside the drop zone and will have to make up a six-point gap to haul their way out.
Last month saw them beat top-flight Watford to progress in the FA Cup, although they weret hrashed 6-0 by Manchester United in the next round.
It means they head into Saturday’s Prenton Park contest on the back of four successive defeats, including a 3-0 reverse on home soil against Doncaster in midweek.
Rovers were promoted last season, narrowly beating Newport at Wembley in the play-off final after finishing sixth.
And they were beaten 2-0 at Fratton Park earlier in the campaign, courtesy of goals from Ben Close and Tom Naylor.
TEAM NEWS
Oli Hawkins is not available this weekend after suffering concussion in Tuesday night’s reserve game at Exeter.
Bryn Morris is running outside again as he continues to step up his recovery from a long-term groin problem.
Tranmere are missing Ollie Banks (knee), Corey Blackett-Taylor (shin), Mark Ellis (knee), Morgan Feeney (hamstring) and Evan Gumbs (knee).
There is also a doubt over defender Peter Clarke, but former Fratton loanee James Vaughan is expected to lead the line.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ronan Curtis or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 14 wins
Tranmere: 14 wins
7 draws
At Prenton Park
Pompey: 6 wins
Tranmere: 7 wins
4 draws
TICKETS
Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and none will be available to buy on the day of the game.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Michael Salisbury
Assistants: Chris Isherwood and Ian Smedley
Fourth Official: Hristo Karaivanov
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 hosts can be backed at 15/4.
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
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Tonight
Lincoln v Rotherham (7.45pm)
Saturday
AFC Wimbledon v Fleetwood
Blackpool v Southend
Burton v Gillingham
Coventry v Bolton
Doncaster v Rochdale
Peterborough v Oxford
Shrewsbury v MK Dons
Sunderland v Ipswich
Wycombe v Bristol Rovers
LAST MEETING