The many reasons to be cheerful facing struggling Tranmere for a club record - but this is Portsmouth

Kenny Jackett’s men head to Tranmere on Saturday seeking to break a club record and enforce their promotion pursuit.

They will face hosts wracked by relegation fear and enduring wretched form threatening their League One presence.

In terms of the league, they are seven matches without a win, while clutch a sole victory from their past 12 outings.

SEE ALSO: The ongoing Prenton Park problem that Pompey will have to overcome at Tranmere

If that wasn’t heartening enough for those of Blues persuasion, Micky Mellon’s men possess the second-worst home record in League One.

Prenton Park has been anything but a fortress, with 14 points from 14 games, consisting of three wins.

In contrast, Pompey have amassed 18 more points over the same period.

Certainly enough statistics to offer encouragement to the Fratton faithful, bolstering belief they can maintain this magnificent recent run.

Having already equalled the club record of eight successive wins in all competitions, Jackett has been handed a tantalising opportunity to register an achievement unparalleled in the Blues’ 99-year Football League history.

Yet there remains the nagging doubt something could go terribly wrong on Saturday. Naturally.

Pompey have lost twice in 23 matches in all competitions to hurtle into an automatic promotion race which once appeared an improbable challenge.

During that period, nobody has amassed more points, with 34 from 16 matches positioning Jackett’s men top of the form table, ahead of leaders Rotherham.

As for Tranmere, in that same duration they have mustered 13 points – one more than bottom side Southend.

Don’t let recent FA Cup heroics over Watford distract you, Rovers are embroiled in a relegation fight. The fact only Bolton and Southend are below is undoubtedly alarming.

Their past four league matches have produced one point and one goal, conceding five times in the process.

One final piece of evidence, not since December 21 have Tranmere won a League One encounter, courtesy of a 1-0 Prenton Park triumph over AFC Wimbledon.

Now they stand in the way of this resurgent Pompey side who have beaten four of the top six during their past 11 league fixtures.

There can only be one outcome. Can’t there?