The Blues reached the top with a thrilling 3-2 win at fellow promotion candidates Barnsley in midweek as they put down a real marker and made their rivals sit up and take notice.
Their Oakwell victory followed a decent draw at Derby and a eye-catching 3-1 win against Peterborough – two more sides who are expected to be in and around the promotion hunt come the end of the season.
However, a true test of a side’s promotion credentials is how they follow up such results against some of the division’s so-called lesser sides.
That’s the challenge that awaits John Mousinho & Co, who have already been frustrated by Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham on home soil this term.
And so the question remains, does he stick with the side that tormented Barnsley so well in the first half on Tuesday or does he freshen things up and catch opposition number Mark Kennedy off guard with a few surprises.
Here’s what we think the Pompey head coach will do.
5. Centre-back 2: Conor Shaughnessy
The former Burton man had the odd wobble in the second half against Barnsley as he showed he's human after all. That's the first time Pompey fans seen that from the surprise package of their season to date. But it won't be enough to see him drop to the bench against Lincoln. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Left-back: Jack Sparkes
Mr Reliable Connor Ogilvie is expected to miss the visit of the Imps after picking up a groin strain at Oakwell. That opens the door for Jack Sparkes to finally show what he can do in that position. The former Exeter man has managed a decent bit of game time since his summer arrival. That's mostly been further forward as the Blues look to utilise his attacking strengths. Now he must demonstrate his defensive capabilities in a back line that is the second meanest in the division to date. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Midfield 1 - Marlon Pack
Once again showed his importance to the team with a towering performance against Barnsley in midweek. Keep it up, Marlon! Photo: Jason Brown
8. Midfield 2 - Joe Morrell
Like Rafferty, the previously-suspended Morrell returned to the side at Oakwell like a duck to water. Loves to get stuck in and do all the dirty work. That might be needed again against the Imps who will try to make life difficult for the hosts. Will need to keep his cool, though. Photo: Jason Brown