It feels a long time since Pompey won at Hull to secure the Christmas number one spot in the third tier.
The next two games – against Swindon and Bristol Rovers – were postponed following a Covid-19 outbreak, while last Saturday’s scheduled trip to Accrington fell victim to a frozen pitch.
So Kenny Jackett will be relieved to see his side return to action this weekend – albeit with cup progress rather than league points on his mind.
The Blues visit Ashton Gate to take on Championship opposition in the form of Bristol City on Sunday (1.30pm kick-off).
And they have form against sides from that division, having knocked out Norwich and Barnsley in the past two seasons.
The Robins are currently sitting 10th in the table and are just four points outside the play-off spots, having seen their most recent game also called off due to Covid.
They are entering the FA Cup at this stage, while Pompey have already accounted for both Ipswich and King’s Lynn.
It will be the first competitive meeting between the sides since a couple of goalless Championship draws during the 2011/12 campaign.
Pompey were cup holders for a third round tie in January 2009, but needed a replay before triumphing 2-0 at Ashton Gate, courtesy of goals from Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar.
There are no replays in the FA Cup this season, with extra-time and, if needed, penalties used to settle any ties that are level after 90 minutes.
Clubs are now allowed to list nine substitutes on the bench and can use five of them (with an extra change allowed in extra-time).
TEAM NEWS
Pompey have no injury concerns, with Lee Brown having returned to full training following a hamstring injury.
The latest round of Covid-19 testing – which will now become a twice-weekly occurrence – also revealed no further positive results in the Blues ranks.
Cam Pring was recently recalled to Bristol City, but the left-back cannot feature on Sunday, as he has played in the competition for Pompey earlier in the season.
The hosts will be without Kasey Palmer, who is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.
They are also missing the injured trio of Jamie Paterson (groin), Callum O’Dowda (hamstring) and Marley Watkins (hamstring).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of manager Kenny Jackett ahead of the game or see what his counterpart Dean Holden had to say.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 14 wins
Bristol City: 21 wins
18 draws
At Ashton Gate
Pompey: 5 wins
Bristol City: 14 wins
7 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistants: Nik Barnard and Ollie Williams
Fourth Official: Antony Coggins
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the game for free via The FA Player, although you will have to register first.
The match is being shown on ESPN+ in Australia and the USA, while overseas fans based elsewhere should check local listings to see if it is being broadcast in their region.
The game cannot be viewed on iFollow, but subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Alan McLoughlin by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 1pm.
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 Monday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Bristol City are the 3/4 favourites with VBET to reach the next round, while Pompey can be backed at evens.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Sunday’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
VBET are also holding a Pompey quiz, with a £100 gift card for the club shop up for grabs. Click here to be in with a chance of winning (entrants must be aged 18+).
ALSO IN EMIRATES FA CUP
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Today
Boreham Wood v Millwall (12pm)
Everton v Rotherham (12pm)
Luton v Reading (12pm)
Norwich v Coventry (12pm)
Nottingham Forest v Cardiff (12pm)
Chorley v Derby (12.15pm)
Blackburn v Doncaster
Blackpool v West Brom
Bristol Rovers v Sheffield United
Burnley v MK Dons
Exeter v Sheffield Wednesday
Oldham v Bournemouth
QPR v Fulham
Stevenage v Swansea
Stoke v Leicester
Wycombe v Preston
Arsenal v Newcastle (5.30pm)
Brentford v Middlesbrough (6pm)
Huddersfield v Plymouth (6pm)
Manchester United v Watford (8pm)
Sunday
Barnsley v Tranmere (1.30pm)
Chelsea v Morecambe (1.30pm)
Cheltenham v Mansfield (1.30pm)
Crawley v Leeds (1.30pm)
Manchester City v Birmingham (1.30pm)
Marine v Tottenham (5pm)
Newport v Brighton (7.45pm)
Monday
Stockport v West Ham (8pm)
LAST ROUND