Pompey’s recent run of fine form has mostly been built on collecting points against clubs not in the promotion race.
Oxford are the only victims of a seven-match unbeaten run – that includes six victories – with realistic hopes of reaching the Championship.
But that all changes on Saturday, as Danny Cowley takes his team to Portman Road to face a revitalised Ipswich outfit (3pm kick-off).
The Suffolk side spent heavily in the summer, but got off to a slow start and ex-Blues boss Paul Cook was sacked in December.
His replacement was former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna and he has helped guide the Tractor Boys to an upturn in results.
Their own unbeaten streak currently stands at eight games and includes Tuesday night’s 2-0 home success over Lincoln.
It leaves Ipswich sitting ninth in the League One standings – just one place and two points above their visitors.
There were three meetings between the sides last season and Pompey came out on top in all of them.
As well as a 2-1 home win in Cowley’s first fixture in charge, there were Portman Road triumphs in both the league and FA Cup.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are without Kieron Freeman (ankle), Jayden Reid (knee) and Shaun Williams (back), while Michael Jacobs (knee) is a doubt.
Marcus Harness serves the second game of a three-match ban following his red card against Accrington.
Ipswich will be without George Edmundson (ankle), Kyle Edwards (quad) and Lee Evans (knee), while there are concerns over Sam Morsy (hamstring).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Tyler Walker ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 16 wins
Ipswich: 20 wins
12 draws
At Portman Road
Pompey: 10 wins
Ipswich: 9 wins
5 draws
TICKETS
Pompey have sold out their full allocation of tickets and no more will be made available. Click here for more details.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Christopher Sarginson
Assistants: Paul Lister and Andrew Aylott
Fourth Official: James Vallance
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 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
Ipswich are the 6/5 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 12/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’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 ONE
All games kick-off at 3pm
Accrington v Charlton
AFC Wimbledon v Lincoln
Bolton v Plymouth
Burton v Fleetwood
Doncaster v Gillingham
MK Dons v Wigan
Morecambe v Cheltenham
Sheffield Wednesday v Cambridge
Shrewsbury v Oxford
Sunderland v Crewe
Wycombe v Rotherham
LAST SEASON