Pompey’s past two matches have resulted in confident performances, fine football and, most importantly, six points.
But those victories over Gillingham and Sunderland both came on the road and this evening sees a return to Fratton Park.
Kenny Jackett admits his side have not looked so strong on their own patch so far and is eyeing a change of fortunes against Northampton.
He believes the absence of supporters might have had an impact, but knows that is unlikely to change soon.
The Blues boss said: “We’ve had some very good performances and results, but you’re always looking to build on that.
“It’s important to follow it up in these two home games against Northampton and Charlton, which will both be difficult.
"There hasn’t been a clear advantage to playing at home for us and there are some decisions that, I think, would have gone our way with a crowd in."
“They’ll be different in terms of the opposition’s approach and so we’re going to have to really work hard.
“There hasn’t been a clear advantage to playing at home for us and there are some decisions that, I think, would have gone our way with a crowd in.
“That goes right the way back to the first half of that Oxford game in the play-offs, but it is the same for everybody and so it evens out.
“We have to make sure we adapt and I believe that if you’re the best team on the day, then most of the time you’ll win.”
Northampton won promotion via the League Two play-offs last term and are currently sitting 19th following Saturday’s defeat to Charlton.
Jackett said: “They will be looking to get a foothold in this division – as you always need to do when you go up.
“There will be some adjustments and you might lose a few players, but they’ve got an experienced manager and will want to turn a corner.”
Michael Jacobs is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, although Ellis Harrison is not far away from full fitness.
Jackett said: “Ellis trained on Monday morning and we’ll have to see whether he can make Tuesday or Saturday.
“I would think the latter is more likely and we need to be careful because rehabilitation from a hamstring injury is a big one.
“He is confident in himself, though, and pushing to get back in the team, which is definitely good news for us.
“Michael certainly won’t play for us in these next two games and the initial assessment is 4-6 weeks.”