Pompey will look to put their Papa John’s Trophy frustrations to one side when they return to League One action this weekend.
Danny Cowley’s side head north to face a Rotherham side who were relegated from the Championship last term.
In fact, the men from New York Stadium have become a bit of a yo-yo outfit in recent years, moving either up or down in each of the past five seasons.
A 1-1 draw against Cardiff in Wales on the final day sealed the 2020/21 fate in heart-breaking fashion.
The Millers were staying up until a curling effort from former Blues midfielder Marlon Pack with two minutes remaining condemned them to the drop.
However, Paul Warne – who has been in charge since replacing Kenny Jackett in November 2016 – has got the side off to a positive start in their bid to make a swift return.
United currently sit in fifth position and are just three points off top spot, with Michael Smith – a familiar name to the Fratton faithful – netting seven times in the league.
Goals from Ronan Curtis, John Marquis and Ben Close secured a 3-2 victory when the sides last met at Fratton Park in November 2019.
But the Blues were beaten on their only previous visit to New York Stadium a year earlier, as Smith teed-up Joe Mattock to score a stoppage-time header.
TEAM NEWS
Paul Downing (hamstring) and Ellis Harrison (ankle) are both expected to miss out after limping off injured during Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy defeat to Sutton.
Former Rotherham defender Clark Robertson (hip) is also absent, along with Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin).
Ronan Curtis will serve a one-match ban after collecting his fifth booking of the season against Sunderland a fortnight ago.
Former Blues loanee Mattock is likely to be available for the hosts after recovering from an Achilles problem, but Jamie Lindsay (hamstring) is injured.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Joe Morrell or watch the video below.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 12 wins
Rotherham: 10 wins
10 draws
At Rotherham
Pompey: 3 wins
Rotherham: 8 wins
5 draws
TICKETS
Pompey sold more than 1,100 tickets for the game and collections can be made from the away ticket office.
Please note that away fans cannot buy tickets at New York Stadium, so please do not travel to the ground if you have not bought a ticket.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistants: Richard Wigglesworth and Mark Cunliffe
Fourth Official: Matthew Smith
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2.45pm on Saturday.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch the action and commentary will begin from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
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 BBC Radio Solent or Express FM.
BETTING
Rotherham are the 77/100 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 7/2.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Friday
Burton v Morecambe (7.45pm)
Saturday
AFC Wimbledon v Sheffield Wednesday
Bolton v Wigan
Cambridge v Ipswich
Cheltenham v Accrington
Doncaster v Wycombe
Fleetwood v Crewe
Gillingham v Sunderland
Lincoln v Charlton
Oxford v Plymouth
Shrewsbury v MK Dons
LAST MEETING