There have been 17 days since Pompey were last in League One for a Fratton draw with Wycombe.
So there is certainly a desire from fans, staff and players alike to see the Blues in action on their 124th birthday at Bolton this evening (8pm kick-off).
This fixture was supposed to take place a couple of Saturdays ago, but both sides were missing players on international duty.
There is currently only goal difference separating them in the table, with Wanderers one place lower in 11th spot.
Ian Evatt’s men were in action at the weekend, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson’s late header holding automatic promotion-chasing Wigan to a draw.
But they have collected just a single point from their two most recent home contests with Morecambe and Plymouth.
John Marquis was on target early in the second half when Pompey won a close contest on the south coast back in October.
And the Blues also triumphed 1-0 on their most recent visit to the University of Bolton Stadium in January 2020, with Christian Burgess grabbing the only goal.
TEAM NEWS
Shaun Williams is back in contention after returning to training following his recovery from a back injury.
But Kieron Freeman (ankle), Reeco Hackett (knee) and Jayden Reid (knee) all remain sidelined for Pompey.
Kieran Lee (heel) is missing for Bolton and Declan John (back) is a doubt, while Dapo Afolayan and Kyle Dempsey have both been carrying knocks.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Gavin Bazunu ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 36 wins
Bolton: 42 wins
22 draws
On the road
Pompey: 10 wins
Bolton: 32 wins
7 draws
TICKETS
Tickets are no longer available to purchase for Pompey fans. Supporters collecting tickets should visit the main ticket office at Bolton, which is located next to the club shop.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Marc Edwards
Assistants: Ian Smedley and Richard Woodward
Fourth Official: Conor Brown
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre.
Domestic iFollow subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham as usual, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the 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 Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM.
BETTING
Bolton are the 7/5 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 2/1.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
We are committed to playing our part in ensuring our relationship with VBET is promoted in the right way to our supporters.
That is why VBET has partnered with BettorMind, to provide responsible gambling advice around key betting behaviours.
When it comes to betting, we advise all fans to make use of our dedicated responsible gambling site.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 7.45pm
AFC Wimbledon v Charlton
Cambridge v Wycombe
Fleetwood v Lincoln
MK Dons v Crewe
Morecambe v Oxford
Wigan v Accrington
LAST AWAY MEETING