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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9. Right-wing: Harvey Blair
Continues to show glimpses of his true quality as he builds up his match minutes following injury. His pace will be a key asset on the counter-attack against City, although the winger will likely start on the right this time. | Graham Hunt
10. Central attacking midfield: Conor Chaplin
Pompey fans are still to see the Fratton favourite at his best following his return on loan from Ipswich. Was taken off during the second half against Charlton. However, should be fresh enough to start against Bristol City - with his rest coming against parent club Ipswich Town on Sunday - a game Chaplin cannot feature in. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
11. Lefy-wing: Minhyeok Yang
Yang's classy last-gasp finish handed Pompey a much-needed and dramatic win against Charlton. His reward - a start against City on the left wing as the Blues continue to make do without Josh Murphy. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
12. Centre-forward: Colby Bishop
The striker sat out the win against Charlton because of injury. However, from John Mousinho's post-match comments, he's expecting him to be back for the visit of Ashton Gate. | Graham Hunt