Pompey have already enjoyed positive results in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy over the past fortnight.
But they were merely the dress rehearsals for the main event of Saturday’s League One opener against Shrewsbury at Fratton Park.
It is a reverse of the first game of last season, when the Shropshire side narrowly won a tight contest.
And Kenny Jackett is hoping his side can get off to a more successful start this time around.
The Blues boss said: “It’s a game we’re really looking forward to and we’ve had a good build-up with the two cup competitions. But this is the big one.
“It was a bit stop-start at times last season, while there were times when we got ourselves into decent positions and managed to undo it.
"Teams are always looking to begin well and it’s important for players to work hard and secure their place in the side."
“We came through that and stuck at it before building up a head of steam – we need to do that from the start this time.
“Teams are always looking to begin well and it’s important for players to work hard and secure their place in the side.
“But with the number of games we’ll have, everyone in our squad will get an opportunity, so they need to be ready to take it.
“Getting out at Fratton Park – even without the crowd – was useful on Tuesday night as we look to build partnerships and gain confidence.
“You want to feel good physically and find a nice rhythm early in the season, while getting your touch back.”
Pompey are still in the market for signings following the captures of full-backs Callum Johnson and Cam Pring, but Jackett is happy with his squad.
He said: “It’s not always about new players – it’s also about letting the ones you already do have develop.
“They sometimes need to be given a little bit of time and there are guys in our squad who have benefitted from that.
“We haven’t looked for wholesale changes this summer – that’s been deliberate – and we do feel more settled than last season.
“But we understand that has to translate into performances and results in the league, starting on Saturday.”