Pompey go in search of their first league win of the new campaign when they make the long trip to Rochdale on Sunday.
Kenny Jackett watched them play out a goalless draw with Shrewsbury on home soil in last week’s opener.
They took a while to get going in that fixture before eventually creating a flurry of chances towards the end of the contest.
And so Jackett is now hoping to see a bit more attacking creativity on display from his troops at Spotland.
The Blues boss said: “We’ve watched Rochdale's games so far and been able to assess them, but while you keep one eye on the opposition, you need to get your own team right.
“I do feel that we need to play with a bit more control, which isn’t always easy in League One, with sides looking to get up against you.
"There’s always pressure to do well in professional football and to win your next game, which is the most important one."
“Being able to work the ball through the thirds more constructively is something we’ve talked about improving.
“If we can get into our rhythm – and we know we can – then we have to do well because the league games are going to start coming thick and fast.
“There’s always pressure to do well in professional football and to win your next game, which is the most important one.
“It’s a good feeling to have, though, and certainly something that should be both welcomed and enjoyed.”
Michael Jacobs could make his debut against Rochdale after sitting out the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Brighton.
Jackett said: “We feel he can be a big player for us, but we’ve taken the opportunity to get a few more days of training into him this week.
“We want to make sure that when he does come in, he’s ready for it and can stay there. He’s in contention for Sunday.”