There will be a sense of déjà vu when Pompey take on MK Dons at Fratton Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
It is the second meeting between the League One sides on the south coast in the space of just three weeks.
The Blues came out on top in the first of those, with a 3-2 victory securing progress to the third round of the FA Cup.
Since then, their opponents have sacked manager Liam Manning, with the club sitting inside the drop zone and six points from safety.
It comes after he almost led the Buckinghamshire outfit into the Championship last term, missing out on automatic promotion on the final day and then losing to Wycombe in the play-offs.
Defender Dean Lewington has taken interim charge until a replacement can be found and oversaw Tuesday night’s Papa Johns Trophy exit at Bristol Rovers.
Fans will be hoping a permanent appointment is made in time for Tuesday night’s exciting Carabao Cup clash with top-flight Leicester at Stadium MK.
Pompey lost both of last season’s league meetings with the Dons, but three points this weekend could see them climb back into the top six at Christmas.
TEAM NEWS
Zak Swanson could return from a stomach problem, but Saturday’s game likely comes too soon for Tom Lowery (hamstring) and Louis Thompson (leg).
Kieron Freeman (calf), Joe Rafferty (stomach) and Jayden Reid (knee) all remain sidelined for Pompey.
Lewington will not feature for the visitors, as he requires surgery on a hamstring problem that has been pushed back to next week.
Darragh Burns – who scored in MK Dons’ cup defeat at Fratton Park – (ankle) and Joshua Kayode (knee) are also out.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Michael Jacobs ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 5 wins
MK Dons: 4 wins
2 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 4 wins
MK Dons: 1 win
1 draw
OFFICIALS
Referee: Samuel Barrott
Assistants: Justin Amey and Kevin Morris
Fourth Official: Scott Williams
TICKETS
There is only limited availability, so act fast to secure your ticket online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.
Please note that Saturday’s game is not covered by a half-season ticket, which start from the Ipswich fixture after Christmas.
Click here to read a guide on all the activities happening around Fratton Park this weekend.
Please be aware of the rail strikes taking place around the country on Saturday and plan your journey accordingly.
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 Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent (not available online).
BETTING
Pompey are the 9/10 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 14/5.
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.
VBET are committed to endorsing safer gambling among its customers, as well as promoting the awareness of problem gambling and improving prevention, intervention and treatment. Click here to read about VBET’s responsible gambling policy.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 3pm
Barnsley v Burton
Bolton v Exeter
Charlton v Bristol Rovers
Cheltenham v Lincoln
Derby v Forest Green
Fleetwood v Cambridge
Plymouth v Morecambe
Port Vale v Accrington
Sheffield Wednesday v Oxford
Wycombe v Ipswich
LAST MEETING