Pompey have seen the gap to the drop zone cut from 10 to four points, as Valerien Ismael’s side arrive at PO4.
So it’s a big home clash for the Blues, with big calls for John Mousinho to as he welcomes new boy Alex Milosevic and fit-again pair Jordan Williams and Christian Saydee to his options. There’s no Kusini Yengi, however, with the striker starting at Deepdale last time out.
We’ve considered personnel and formation - and this is how we think Pompey will line up against Rovers.
5. CB Connor Ogilvie
Shifted into the middle effectively at Preston before lapse led to home side's late winner. Every chance we could see Alex Milosevic start now he's ready, but Ogilvie was broadly dependable in the middle at Deepdale with the suspicion Mousinho wouldn't hesitate to use him there again. | National World
6. LB Cohen Bramall
Bramall is the other big factor in the defensive selection considerations. After a man-of-the-match performance at Preston, starting Milosevic would see either Ogilvie or the Rotherham signing miss out. Would be harsh on both men if one was dropped. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
7. CM Andre Dozzell
Form makes him the preferred option to start in the middle of the park at present, with another high-tempo showing the requirement. | National World
8. CM Freddie Potts
A new contract at West Ham in the bag for midfielder. Hopefully being afforded a Championship platform at PO4 means another Fratton loan next term. | Paul Thompson/ProSportsImages