Pompey will receive another test of their ‘form club’ credentials when they visit Cambridge on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
John Mousinho has overseen a four-match unbeaten run, which includes three victories and just a single goal conceded.
After stunning high-flying Bolton earlier in the week, the next opponents are at the other end of the table.
Despite making a positive start to the campaign, United are currently only being kept off the foot of the table by Forest Green.
Mark Bonner’s men are only a couple of points adrift of safety, but are desperate for an upturn in results.
Last month’s narrow home success over Oxford is the only time they have collected a maximum haul since the turn of the year.
Of the last 33 points available, Cambridge have collected a mere five – leaving fans fearing a return to the basement after just two seasons at this level.
Pompey triumphed 4-1 when the sides met on the south coast all the way back in August, with Colby Bishop, Ronan Curtis, Michael Jacobs and Connor Ogilvie on target.
And fans will have fond memories of a 2015 trip to Abbey Stadium, when a Matt Tubbs treble helped secure a 6-2 victory for Andy Awford’s Blues.
TEAM NEWS
Ronan Curtis should be available after taking a knock to the knee on Tuesday night, while Tom Lowery could feature following his long-term hamstring problem.
There are doubts over the fitness of Reeco Hackett (back), while Jay Mingi (knee), Marlon Pack (knee), Jayden Reid (knee), Clark Robertson (hip) and Zak Swanson (groin) are missing.
Former Pompey loanee Steve Seddon is nearing a Cambridge return after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket last month, but Saturday’s game is likely to come too soon.
Adam May is out for the rest of the season with a serious knee problem, but fellow Fratton academy graduate Brandon Haunstrup could feature, with Michael Morrison also likely to play.
The home side will also be without Harvey Knibbs (ankle) and George Thomas (ankle), while Harrison Dunk (ankle) is a doubt.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Michael Jacobs ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 15 wins
Cambridge: 3 wins
4 draws
On the road
Pompey: 6 wins
Cambridge: 2 wins
3 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans have sold their full allocation of tickets and no more will be available to buy on the day of the game.
Click here for information about visiting Abbey Stadium that has been provided by the home club.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrew Kitchen
Assistants: Stephen Wade and Kevin Howick
Fourth Official: Stephen Finch
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).
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Morecambe v Bolton (12.30pm)
Accrington v Forest Green
Bristol Rovers v Barnsley
Cheltenham v Fleetwood
Derby v Shrewsbury
Ipswich v Burton
Lincoln v Oxford
Plymouth v Charlton
Port Vale v MK Dons
Sheffield Wednesday v Peterborough
Wycombe v Exeter
LAST MEETING