Pompey will want to make sure the season does not drift aimlessly towards a conclusion during the final few weeks of the season.
Play-off hopes have narrowed during a four-match winless run, even if there has been just a single defeat in the past 11 fixtures.
So Danny Cowley’s side will be looking to at least keep those dreams alive by beating Cheltenham on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Their hosts returned to League One following a five-year absence by claiming the fourth tier title last term.
And they have adapted effortlessly to life back at this level, currently sitting comfortably in mid-table.
Michael Duff’s men do not have either a promotion push or relegation fears to trouble them during their last five games.
The Robins have been involved in two of the most exciting contests this season, starting with Alfie May’s four-goal haul in a 5-5 draw at Wycombe in February.
Then, just last Saturday, they struck twice at the death to somehow salvage a 4-4 stalemate at Accrington.
Pompey will be looking to preserve their record of never having lost a competitive match to Cheltenham, although six of the eight previous meetings have ended all square.
Their two victories include a 6-1 rout that sealed the League Two crown in 2017 and a 3-0 success in the EFL Trophy last season.
TEAM NEWS
Kieron Freeman (ankle), Reeco Hackett (knee) and Jayden Reid (knee) are the only absentees for the visitors.
Ben Williams (hamstring) is missing for the hosts, who also have doubts over the fitness of Kion Etete (hip) and Conor Thomas (calf).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Ronan Curtis ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 2 wins
Cheltenham: 0 wins
6 draws
At Whaddon Road
Pompey: 1 win
Cheltenham: 0 wins
3 draws
TICKETS
Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and no more will be made available. Please do not travel if you do not have a ticket.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Ollie Yates
Assistants: Paul Stonier and Michael Begley
Fourth Official: Thomas Harty
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 2pm on Saturday.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary.
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
Pompey are the 23/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 85/40.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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When it comes to betting, we advise all fans to make use of our dedicated responsible gambling site.
ALSO IN LEAGUE
All games kick-off at 3pm
AFC Wimbledon v MK Dons
Bolton v Sheffield Wednesday
Burton v Plymouth
Cambridge v Morecambe
Doncaster v Crewe
Fleetwood v Accrington
Gillingham v Wycombe
Lincoln v Wigan
Oxford v Sunderland
Rotherham v Charlton
Shrewsbury v Ipswich
MEMORABLE MEETING