The international break came and went without affecting Pompey’s position at the top of the League One table.
And with a full programme of fixtures on Saturday, they will want to ensure it stays that way by beating Carlisle at Fratton Park (3pm kick-off).
The visitors were promoted from the fourth tier via the play-offs last term, seeing off Bradford over two legs before beating Stockport on penalties at Wembley.
They have found it tougher at a higher level, though, and currently sit just one place above the drop zone.
Unlike their opponents, Paul Simpson’s men were in action last weekend, losing 1-0 to Leyton Orient on home soil.
United can take confidence from their most recent match on the road, however, when Jordan Gibson’s treble secured a 3-1 victory at Bolton.
That was just a second three-point haul of the season for the Cumbrians, following a 2-0 success against Shrewsbury last month.
The most recent contest between the sides was in February 2017 and saw Pompey triumph 3-0 at Brunton Park en route to securing the League Two title.
They clashed at Fratton Park on the opening day of that campaign, with Carl Baker finding the target in a 1-1 draw.
TEAM NEWS
Josh Dockerill (knee), Tom Lowery (knee), Marlon Pack (ankle) and Anthony Scully (knee) all remain sidelined.
But Connor Ogilvie has recovered from a groin problem, while Regan Poole and Alex Robertson have both served their one-match bans.
Taylor Charters (hamstring), Jack Ellis (groin), Paul Huntington (calf) and Josh Kayode (shoulder) are all missing for Carlisle, who also have fitness doubts over Dylan McGeouch.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Abu Kamara ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 17 wins
Carlisle: 13 wins
11 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 13 wins
Carlisle: 3 wins
4 draws
TICKETS
Seats in the home sections have almost completely sold out, but keep checking to see if more become available via the ticket exchange.
If you are heading to the game, then read our matchday guide to find out what is happening around the ground.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Leigh Doughty
Assistants: George Byrne and Carl Fitch-Jackson
Fourth Official: Gary Parsons
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 four-camera coverage 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
All games kick-off at 3pm
Bolton v Northampton
Burton v Bristol Rovers
Charlton v Reading
Cheltenham v Cambridge
Exeter v Wigan
Fleetwood v Lincoln
Leyton Orient v Barnsley
Oxford v Blackpool
Peterborough v Wycombe
Shrewsbury v Derby
Stevenage v Port Vale
CLASSIC CONTEST