Defeats to Barrow and Chesterfield respectively ended interest in the FA Cup for Northampton and Pompey this season.
But it did allow the sides to reschedule their League One contest – cancelled in October due to international call-ups – for this Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Both enjoyed midweek victories, with the Blues bouncing back from seeing their unbeaten run end by winning at Burton.
Blackpool had inflicted that first defeat last weekend, but they then lost on home soil to the Cobblers on Tuesday night.
Sam Hoskins grabbed the winner for Jon Brady’s men at Bloomfield Road after Kieron Bowie’s opener had been cancelled out by Jordan Rhodes.
It stretched their winning run in the league to three matches and leaves the side sitting 13th in the standings.
Northampton returned to this level by finishing third in League Two last term, with a 1-0 success at Tranmere sealing promotion on the final day.
Pompey’s last trip to Sixfields Stadium in March 2021 was a miserable affair and boss Kenny Jackett departed just a week after that 4-1 defeat.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are waiting to learn the extent of Colby Bishop’s ankle injury, but he definitely misses out on Saturday.
Also absent are Tino Anjorin (hamstring), Josh Dockerill (knee), Connor Ogilvie (ankle), Regan Poole (knee) and Anthony Scully (knee).
Joe Morrell serves the final match of his suspension, but Tom Lowery, Zak Swanson and Gavin Whyte are all available again.
Ali Koiki is currently in the Northampton treatment room, while there are fitness doubts over Jon Guthrie and Patrick Brough.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Marlon Pack ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 20 wins
Northampton: 11 wins
7 draws
On the road
Pompey: 6 wins
Northampton: 8 wins
3 draws
TICKETS
Pompey have sold their full allocation for this game, so please do not travel if you do not have a ticket.
Those attending the fixture can click here to read a guide to visiting Sixfields Stadium.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Darren Drysdale
Assistants: Declan O’Shea and Ravel Cheosiaua
Fourth Official: Daniel Robinson
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 replays and 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 key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre.
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 (not available online).
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
With the second round of the FA Cup taking centre stage, there are no other League One fixtures being played this weekend.
CLASSIC CONTEST