Pompey will be looking to make an instant return to winning ways when they visit Preston in the Championship on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The trip to Deepdale ends a mixed week that saw John Mousinho's men beat the side at the top of the table before losing to the one at the bottom.
And it is the final fixture before domestic action pauses for a fortnight in order for international contests to take place.
The Blues know that a victory in Lancashire would see them leapfrog their 15th-placed opponents in the standings.
North End had a tumultuous start to the campaign, with boss Ryan Lowe leaving after the opening day defeat to Sheffield United.
Paul Heckingbottom came in to replace him and has largely kept the side away from danger, as they look to extend their stay at this level into an 11th season.
Preston are currently on a three-match winless run, though, which includes a midweek draw at promotion-chasing Sunderland.
An early Good Friday goal from Jed Wallace was cancelled out by Keith Keane when the sides drew 1-1 in the last Deepdale meeting in March 2013.
The contest at Fratton Park earlier in the current campaign was certainly a memorable one, as Colby Bishop came off the bench to make his first appearance since summer heart surgery.
He went on to score from the spot and seal a 3-1 victory – Pompey's first home success of the season.
TEAM NEWS
Rob Atkinson (calf), Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Callum Lang (hamstring), Hayden Matthews (ankle), Christian Saydee (groin), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring) and Jordan Williams (hamstring) are all currently sidelined.
Alexander Milošević is available after receiving international clearance at the start of the week, but is unlikely to feature as he builds towards full match fitness.
Former Pompey defender Jack Whatmough is absent for the hosts with a calf problem, while Ali McCann (calf), Brad Potts (hamstring) are also out and there are doubts over Milutin Osmajić and Jordan Storey.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of
John Mousinho and
Regan Poole ahead of the big game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 23 wins
Preston: 33 wins
25 draws
On the Road
Pompey: 5 wins
Preston: 19 wins
15 draws
Last Away Meeting
Preston 1 (Keane)
Pompey 1 (Wallace)
League One
March 29 2013
TICKETS
Tickets are no longer available to buy from Pompey, with more than 3,500 already sold.
They can, however, be purchased (cash or card) from the away ticket office at Deepdale's Bill Shankly Kop from 1pm on Saturday.
Click here to read information on visiting Deepdale that has been produced by the home club.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Tony Harrington
Assistants: Matthew Wilkes and Darren Williams
Fourth Official: Will Finnie
Harrington has not taken charge of a Pompey game since they drew 1-1 in League One match at Doncaster in March 2013 and kept his cards in his pocket that day.
He has taken charge of 19 games so far this season, booking a total of 83 players and sending four for an early bath.
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters based overseas can watch the game on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by
purchasing a match pass.
The pre-match show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video
subscription/match pass.
George Wedlake will be joined by Paul Hardyman and Paul Robinson in the Fratton Park studio. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or
via this link.
Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+.
Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio
subscription/match pass.
Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen as always via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
*Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.