Pompey travel to Bristol City buoyed by their dramatic, last-gasp win against Charlton Athletic at Fratton Park on Monday night.
The victory, which extended the Blues’ unbeaten run to four games, saw them claw themselves out of the Championship relegation zone and move three points clear of the bottom three as John Mousinho’s side pulled the curtain on 2025.
But with the games over the festive period coming thick and fast, there’s no time for anyone to rest on their laurels or take their foot off the gas.
Next up is a New Year’s Day trip to Ashton Gate, where Pompey will be keen to correct the wrongs that were on display on their last visit to the Robins
On that occasion on December 29, 2004, the Blues were thumped 3-0, with the visitors punished after giving their fringe players the chance to shine.
There will be that temptation again on Thursday as Pompey play their third game in seven days, with a home game against Ipswich Town also fast approaching.
But with injuries once again a major factor in current team selection, how much Mousinho can rotate withouth a massive drop-off is questionable.
With that in mind, here’s how we think the ‘bare-bone’ Blues will line up against Bristol City.
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5. Centre-back 2: Conor Shaughnessy
There will be a temptation to ease the Irishman back into the game given his 100-plus days out with a hamstring injury. But the classy defender showed how important he is to the side with his goalscoring cameo against Charlton. | Graham Hunt
6. Left-back: Jordan Williams
The right-back might get the nod to start over Zak Swanson on the left as Mousinho looks to freshen things up slightly without a big drop-off in ability. | Graham Hunt
7. Central-midfield 1: Andre Dozzell
Had a quiet night against the Addicks, despite ball into the box that led to Minyeok Yang's injury-time winner. Injury to Mark Kosznovszky and Mousinho's current reluctance to call upon John Swift and Luke Le Roux, though, means there no rest for the former QPR man. | Graham Hunt
8. Central-midfield 2: Marlon Pack
Had a good game against the Addicks following his recall - and will probably be asked to do it all again at Ashton Gate. His rest might come against Ipswich if Kosznovszky injury isn't too bad. | Graham Hunt