How Portsmouth's problems could be exposed further by Ipswich, Charlton, Oxford and Accrington on Saturday

But you would imagine one eye will also be on the League One table, with the division continuing to operate as normal while the Blues take on Salford for the right to be crowned 2019-20 Papa John’s Trophy winners.

That’s because there’s a real risk Kenny Jackett’s side could find themselves kicked out of the play-off places come the latest round of matches.

And what’s more, Pompey could even see themselves sitting as lowly as 10th if results go against them this weekend.

Ever since occupying top spot following a 2-0 win at Hull on December 18, the Blues’ form has taken a turn for the worse.

Five league wins have been secured in that time – including impressive victories at Charlton and Oxford.

But there’s also been seven defeats, with crucial points, in particular, handed straight to promotion rivals Hull, Lincoln, Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers and Sunderland.

The latest of those loses was registered on Tuesday night, with the Black Cats returning home from Fratton Park with a 2-0 win.

That left Pompey precariously placed in sixth on 52 points and still within the play-off spots.

Ipswich’s 1-1 draw against Lincoln and Accrington’s 4-1 hammering at Bristol Rovers let them off the hook.

But it’s hard to imagine similar circumstances repeating themselves on Saturday, with the Tractor Boys and Accy joined by Charlton and Oxford in possibly leapfrogging the Blues in the League One standings.

Ipswich (7th), Oxford (9th) and Accrington (10th) all have a game in hand on Pompey as they go into their respective games against Plymouth (H), Hull (A) and MK Dons (A) on Saturday.

Paul Cook’s side are a point behind the Blues on 51 points, while the U’s and Accy both have 50 points from their 32 games played.

Eighth-placed Charlton have actually played one game more than Jackett's men but, nevertheless, can go two points clear if they see off Shrewsbury at The Valley.

Blackpool (48) could pile in the Blues’ misery if they win their three games in hand.

But focusing on the here and now, all they can do is narrow the gap to a point if they beat Fleetwood at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

No doubt about it, though, the pressure is certainly on Jackett & Co to reverse their form.

However, a positive note to end on – none of the above have shown the consistency levels so far this season to suggest they have the capabilities to string multiple wins together to leave Pompey in their wake.

It, therefore, remains all to play for with just more than a quarter of the campaign left to play.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

On Saturday, March 13 Pompey will finally get their day at Wembley.

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