It is a fixture that was played an incredible five times last season and there was very little to separate the sides.
Pompey’s highlight was their Wembley triumph in the EFL Trophy final, while Sunderland edged a tense play-off encounter.
And – just like last term – both sides are now firmly focused on the battle to win promotion to the Championship.
Kenny Jackett’s men climbed into the top six for the first time with victory at Lincoln on Tuesday evening, only to be pushed back out by the Black Cats 24 hours later.
The Wearsiders dismissed manager Jack Ross with the team occupying a play-off position in October and replacement Phil Parkinson was under pressure when they dropped as low as 15th.
But they have been in fine form in recent weeks and head to the south coast on a nine-match unbeaten run.
Unlike the Blues, Sunderland can also just focus on the league, having long since exited all the cup competitions.
They won 2-1 when the sides met in the north-east earlier in the campaign, battling from behind after Marcus Harness had opened the scoring.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey have almost a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Bryn Morris (groin) the only player currently sidelined.
Duncan Watmore (leg) and Will Grigg (virus) missed Sunderland’s win at Tranmere on Wednesday evening.
The visitors have recently allowed out-of-favour winger Aiden McGeady to join Charlton on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
There have also been rumours of plenty of incomings and outgoings at the Stadum of Light before the transfer window closes at 11pm.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Christian Burgess, as Pompey look to continue their unbeaten League One home record.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 34 wins
Sunderland: 39 wins
35 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 24 wins
Sunderland: 11 wins
18 draws
TICKETS
Fratton Park is full to capacity for Saturday’s game.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Christopher Sarginson
Assistants: Michael Webb and Kevin Howick
Fourth Official: Gary Parsons
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Ian Wilding 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 23/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 12/5.
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
All games kick-off at 3pm
Accrington v AFC Wimbledon
Bolton v Tranmere
Bristol Rovers v Coventry
Fleetwood v Doncaster
Ipswich v Peterborough
MK Dons v Wycombe
Oxford v Blackpool
Rochdale v Shrewsbury
Rotherham v Burton
Southend v Lincoln
LAST SEASON