After a lean few months, the good times returned to Fratton Park for John Mousinho’s first game in charge against Exeter a fortnight ago.
And the home faithful will be hoping the positive mood can continue against Barnsley on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
But they are facing a side currently occupying the final play-off spot and with a nine point advantage over the Blues.
Michael Duff is aiming to lead the Yorkshire outfit back into the Championship at the first time of asking following last season’s relegation.
Unlike their opponents, the Tykes were in midweek action, securing a 2-1 victory at Oxford on Wednesday night.
Goals from Bobby Thomas and Nicky Cadden secured a sixth away league success of the campaign – a record bettered by just two other sides in the division.
The most recent contest between the teams was in January 2020, when a 4-2 south coast success sent Pompey into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
And you have to travel all the way back to 1999 to find the last time that Barnsley triumphed at Fratton Park.
TEAM NEWS
Deadline day signings Paddy Lane and Di’Shon Bernard could make their debuts after arriving from Fleetwood and Manchester United respectively.
Joe Rafferty is also closing in on a return to action, having been out for five months with a stomach problem.
Pompey will definitely be without Ronan Curtis (ankle), Tom Lowery (hamstring), Jay Mingi (knee), Jayden Reid (knee) and Clark Robertson (hip), but Joe Morrell returns from suspension.
Barnsley midfielder Matty Wolfe could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, while there are doubts of the fitness of keeper Brad Collins (quad).
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of head coach John Mousinho ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 22 wins
Barnsley: 18 wins
14 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 15 wins
Barnsley: 5 wins
7 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Andy Woolmer
Assistants: Graham Kane and George Byrne
Fourth Official: Will Finnie
TICKETS
Seating is now extremely limited, so click here to book your seat before they all sell out.
Click here to find out what is happening around Fratton Park on Saturday in our matchday guide.
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 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 (not available online).
BETTING
Pompey are the 7/5 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 7/4.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for Saturday’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 3pm
Accrington v Lincoln
Bolton v Cheltenham
Bristol Rovers v MK Dons
Cambridge v Ipswich
Derby v Morecambe
Exeter v Charlton
Fleetwood v Burton
Forest Green v Peterborough
Oxford v Shrewsbury
Port Vale v Wycombe
Sheffield Wednesday v Plymouth
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