Pompey had to remain patient while their fellow League One sides took to the pitch on Saturday afternoon.
That is because a trip to the capital to face Charlton was selected by Sky Sports for live television coverage on Monday night.
But they remain fourth in the standings, holding three games in hand on all the sides sitting above them.
And Danny Cowley hopes the extra training time will serve his players well as they look to end a three-match winless run.
The Blues boss said: “We’ve had slightly longer preparation for this game and it’s been a really good week for us.
“A group played the Southampton cup match and it was useful for them to get another 90 minutes and find some rhythm, scoring five goals.
“We’ve got some really good training into the others and it was great to bring everyone back together on Thursday.
“Nicky and Lorenzo went to watch Charlton on Tuesday night and so we’ve prepared well and are looking forward to the fixture.
“We should have been more ruthless against Plymouth, there wasn’t much in it at Ipswich and then we weren’t clinical enough against Fleetwood.
"We’ve had slightly longer preparation for this game and it’s been a really good week for us."
“We know the rules in football – if you don’t take your chances and concede a soft goal, then you tend not get the victory.
“It finds us without a win in three league games, but we’re still in a positive mindset and believe in the way we work, as well as the players.”
Pompey’s next opponents are down in 14th spot, but have yet to taste defeat at The Valley this season.
Cowley said: “They’ve got a very good record at home, where they’re unbeaten with three wins and three draws.
“Charlton have real athleticism and pace, are dangerous on the counter and quick in the wide areas of the pitch.
“There is a nice balance between building their play, while also having the direct option with diagonals to Jayden Stockley.
“They also have some good young players and the number they’ve brought through means their academy is a real benchmark.
“It’s a big stadium with a lot of expectation. We understand that and have to try to exploit it if possible.”
Cowley has revealed that Joe Rafferty will soon be back in action after undergoing surgery on a stomach injury.
He said: “Joe is running and doing ball work already, which is great. There’s a chance for him on Monday, which would be incredible.”