There is a worry that a side’s season can tail off dramatically once they have nothing but pride to play for.
But that has not been the case at Pompey, who in the past week have dented Gillingham’s survival hopes before denying Wigan the chance to secure promotion.
Now Danny Cowley’s men will look to frustrate another club when they close the campaign at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).
The hosts had dropped out of the play-off places after losing at Wycombe last Saturday, only to battle from behind to win at struggling Fleetwood on Tuesday.
It leaves the Owls – managed by former Blues defender Darren Moore – in fourth spot and in need of three points to guarantee an extension to their season.
They are aiming for an instant return to the Championship, having finished bottom of the standings last term.
Wednesday would have stayed up, however, were it not for a six-point penalty for breaching EFL rules.
This is the first time that the sides have been in the same division since Pompey romped to the second tier title in 2002/03.
They triumphed 3-1 at Hillsborough that season, courtesy of Svetoslav Todorov’s brace and a goal for Gary O’Neil.
It finished 0-0 at Fratton Park earlier in the current campaign, though, with the hosts not able to capitalise on Massimo Luongo’s dismissal midway through the second half.
TEAM NEWS
Kieron Freeman (ankle), Reeco Hackett (knee) Denver Hume (back) and Jayden Reid (knee) are all still sidelined for Pompey.
Dominic Iorfa is out for the hosts after picking up a knock in training, but Dennis Adeniran could be available again following a hamstring problem.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and George Hirst ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 27 wins
Sheffield Wednesday: 26 wins
15 draws
At Hillsborough
Pompey: 9 wins
Sheffield Wednesday: 17 wins
8 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans are no longer able to buy tickets for this contest and they will not be sold at Hillsborough on the day of the game.
Please note that seating in the away section is unreserved and there are no away pubs in the area of the stadium, but the city centre has plenty of bars that will admit Pompey fans.
Hillsborough is located five miles from the city centre and if using the tram, catch the Yellow Line Middlewood service, disembarking at Leppings Lane for the ground. Tram stops can be found on West Street.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistants: Matthew Smith and Robert Atkin
Fourth Official: Wayne Grunnill
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Ian Wilding and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 12pm 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
Sheffield Wednesday are the 4/7 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 21/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’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 12.30pm
AFC Wimbledon v Accrington
Bolton v Fleetwood
Burton v Wycombe
Cambridge v Cheltenham
Gillingham v Rotherham
Ipswich v Charlton
Lincoln v Crewe
Morecambe v Sunderland
Oxford v Doncaster
Plymouth v MK Dons
Shrewsbury v Wigan
LAST MEETING