It is one of those days when supporters might almost prefer (with emphasis on the ‘almost’) to be watching Pompey from the comfort of their own home.
The temperature on Portsea Island is expected to reach -1° by the time they kick-off against Swindon, with the wind chill likely to make it feel even colder.
So the hosts will hope to warm the spirits of the Fratton faithful by boosting their stuttering home form with a valuable victory.
Saturday’s draw with Plymouth saw them drop to fifth spot, but Kenny Jackett’s side are just three points behind Hull in second.
This evening’s visitors are also in desperate need of a boost, as they were beaten by Shrewsbury at the weekend to fall back into the drop zone.
The Robins – who secured the fourth tier title last term – are below the dotted line on goal difference, having won just two of their past 13 League One fixtures.
John Sheridan’s men did beat Wigan on home soil seven days ago, though, courtesy of a goal from former Pompey striker Brett Pitman.
Blues fans will not have fond memories of their side’s last meeting with Swindon, which resulted in a 5-0 defeat at the County Ground on New Year’s Day in 2013.
TEAM NEWS
Jack Whatmough will complete his three-match suspension, while fellow defender Rasmus Nicolaisen is also unavailable.
Michael Jacobs is out after hurting his hamstring against Plymouth, with Alex Bass (leg) and Paul Downing (hamstring) both still sidelined.
Mathieu Baudry, Tom Broadbent, Zeki Fryers, Jonathan Grounds, Jordan Lyden and Conor Masterson are all expected to miss the game for Swindon through injury.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Callum Johnson ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 23 wins
Swindon: 28 wins
18 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 14 wins
Swindon: 10 wins
10 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Christopher Pollard
Assistants: Conor Farrell and Paul Evans
Fourth Official: Sam Allison
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 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.
BETTING
Pompey are the 46/100 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. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Accrington v Plymouth (5.30pm)
Blackpool v Burton
Bristol Rovers v Oxford
Hull v Lincoln
Northampton v Wigan
Peterborough v Ipswich
Rochdale v MK Dons
Shrewsbury v Sunderland
Fleetwood v Doncaster (7.45pm)
LAST (FRIENDLY) MEETING