Pompey have an immediate chance to bounce back from their heavy Hull defeat, when fellow promotion hopefuls Lincoln visit Fratton Park this evening (7pm kick-off).
The visitors have defied expectations by mounting a Championship challenge this season, having finished the truncated 2019/20 campaign in 16th position.
Michael Appleton’s men have never dropped outside the top six and have spent most of the time in either first or second position.
Dreams of Wembley may also be growing after a recent victory over Accrington took them into the quarter-finals of the Papa John’s Trophy.
There is no doubt, however, that reaching the second tier for the first time in 60 years will be the priority for Imps fans.
It would be quite some achievement for a side that were playing non-league football as recently as 2017.
Lincoln have won seven times on the road in League One this term, but have not tasted success against Pompey since 1980.
And the Blues won 3-1 at Sincil Bank back in November, courtesy of John Marquis’ brace and a Ronan Curtis strike.
TEAM NEWS
Alex Bass (calf) and Paul Downing (hamstring) are both still sidelined, but Pompey have no new injury concerns.
The hosts could hand debuts to left-back Charlie Daniels and midfielder George Byers, who both signed on Saturday.
Lincoln are likely to be without defender Lewis Montsma, who has just finished self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, while there is a minor doubt over Brennan Johnson (ankle).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of assistant manager Joe Gallen ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 11 wins
Lincoln: 5 wins
5 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 6 wins
Lincoln: 2 wins
3 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Purkiss
Assistants: Greg Read and Paul Kelly
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 23/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 5/2.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Accrington v Hull (5.30pm)
Gillingham v Crewe (6pm)
Doncaster v AFC Wimbledon
MK Dons v Charlton
Peterborough v Bristol Rovers
Rochdale v Oxford
Swindon v Plymouth
Wigan v Blackpool
Fleetwood v Northampton (7.45pm)
Ipswich v Sunderland (7.45pm)
LAST MEETING