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.
9. Right wing: Paddy Lane
The Northern Ireland international took his goal against Barnsley brilliantly as he begins to show Pompey fans what he's all about. Was running on empty after the break after a non-stop, energetic performance first half. Is nailed on to keep his place in the team for the visit of the Imps. Photo: Jason Brown
10. No10: Alex Robertson
There might be a temptation to rest the on-loan Manchester City youngster given his exertions against Barnsley and Derby - plus the fact Tino Anjorin is waiting in the wings and Chrsitian Saydee is closing in on a return. Yet neither of them two are likely to be thrown in as they play catch-up fitness-wise. The experiment of playing Gavin Whyte there against Posh didn't work either. Not that those factors will matter too much when Robertson is proving his class on a consistent basis. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Left-wing: Abu Kamara
With summer signing Gavin Whyte yet to fully find his feet at Fratton Park, you wonder if John Mousinho might be tempted to freshen up his attack slightly for the visit of Lincoln. Kamara has shown decent form of late and might get the nod. Tino Anjorin must surely be closing in on a start, too. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Striker: Colby Bishop
Made it five goals for the season with his strike from the penalty spot on Tuesday night. That's three in three games for the former Accrington man. It's simple - if he's fit, Bishop starts. It's that easy. Photo: Jason Brown