It is approaching five months since an evening in Oxford that Pompey are keen to forget.
With 210 minutes of a tight play-off contest failing to separate the sides, the visitors suffered the cruel fate of a penalty shoot-out defeat.
And while their opponents were able to celebrate on the night, they too were left cursing just a week later.
A 2-1 victory for Wycombe at Wembley ensured the Chairboys would be claiming the final spot in the Championship.
It meant, of course, that both teams had to prepare for another campaign in English football’s third tier.
Pompey have recovered from a slow start to storm up the standings in recent weeks and are currently sitting fourth – just three points off top spot.
But Karl Robinson’s side suffered more of a hangover from last season and have enjoyed just four league wins so far.
One of those came at struggling Wigan on Saturday, though, and leaves them in 19th position and outside the bottom four on goal difference.
Both of the 2019/20 meetings at Fratton Park ended 1-1, with Gareth Evans on target during the regular campaign and Ronan Curtis netting in the play-offs.
TEAM NEWS
Michael Jacobs is still missing for Pompey with a knee problem, but Ryan Williams (hip) could be fit enough to feature.
Oxford will be without Cameron Brannagan (eye) and Sam Winnall (hamstring), while Jamie Hanson and Matty Taylor are likely to be available following knocks.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Andy Cannon ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 25 wins
Oxford: 23 wins
20 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 17 wins
Oxford: 4 wins
11 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Tim Robinson
Assistants: Lee Venamore and Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Scott Jackson
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the action live – with four-camera coverage, graphics, commentary and replays – by purchasing a match pass for £10.
Subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 6pm.
Please note that subscribers based in the UK and Ireland will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
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 and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
PROGRAMME
There is a look back at some classic midweek contests in this evening’s magazine, while we also speak to Marcus Harness and Jack Whatmough.
All this plus exclusive columns, a delve into the archives and much, much more is available for just £3.50. Click here to have a copy delivered to your door or find out about the ‘Click & Collect’ option.
BETTING
Pompey are the 10/11 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 13/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for tonight’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon (6pm)
Accrington v Crewe
Burton v Charlton
Doncaster v Blackpool
Ipswich v Hull
MK Dons v Shrewsbury
Peterborough v Plymouth
Rochdale v Northampton
Swindon v Lincoln
Wigan v Bristol Rovers
LAST FRATTON MEETING