The Easter weekend sees Pompey taking on two sides engaged in a desperate battle to beat the drop.
Before making the long trip north to Wigan on Monday, Danny Cowley’s side host rock bottom Rochdale on Good Friday (3pm kick-off).
But although their opponents are currently propping up the rest of the division, they have games in hand on most of the clubs sitting immediately above them.
Scheduled clashes with AFC Wimbledon and Swindon were postponed due to international call-ups, meaning it has been almost a fortnight since the side last took to the pitch.
And Brian Barry-Murphy’s men head to the south coast in relatively good form, having claimed four points from matches against promotion chasing Lincoln and Peterborough.
They would have felt disappointed not to beat the latter team at Spotland last time out, though, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser from the spot, just moments after taking the lead.
It means that Dale are sitting four points adrift of that all-important dotted line, with 10 fixtures left to play.
The side with the worst home record in the division have been better on the road, but have a forgettable history at Fratton Park.
Rochdale have claimed a single point – back in 1979 – in their six previous visits and were beaten 3-0 last term.
TEAM NEWS
John Marquis was unsuccessful in his appeal to have the red card collected at Shrewsbury last week overturned.
It means that the top scorer will now start a three-game ban, leaving Pompey with no available senior strikers.
That is because Ellis Harrison (knee) and Jordy Hiwula (ankle) are both injured, with keeper Alex Bass (foot) also sidelined.
Rochdale will be missing Matty Lund (ankle), Abraham Odoh (hip) and Jimmy Ryan (knee), while Stephen Humphrys (hamstring) is also a doubt.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 10 wins
Rochdale: 1 win
3 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 5 wins
Rochdale: 0 wins
1 draw
OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Swabey
Assistants: Paul Lister and Michael Begley
Fourth Official: Charles Breakspear
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the action live – with 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 2pm.
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 – unless they have received a code that has been distributed to all flexi-season ticket holders and members for this game.
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 Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 4/7 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 6/1.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’s game. 18+. Be Gamble Aware.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
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Accrington v Burton
Crewe v Hull
Fleetwood v Peterborough
Ipswich v Bristol Rovers
Northampton v Shrewsbury
Plymouth v AFC Wimbledon
Sunderland v Oxford
Swindon v Blackpool
LAST SEASON