Without meaning to be disrespectful, Fratton Park fixtures against Cambridge United and Plymouth will be deemed by many as winnable opportunities to get the show back on the road again after two recent blow outs.
They’ll also be viewed as key matches to restore confidence in the side and, in particular, up front, where the Blues have been suffering of late.
Six points will no doubt be the goal.
But they’ll also in all likelihood be the requirement given the tough run of fixtures that awaits Danny Cowley’s side in the weeks immediately afterwards.
Testing away games at Charlton, Burton, Rotherham and Accrington all lie in wait over the next eight weeks.
Meanwhile, there’s also key home battles against fellow so-called big-hitters Sunderland, Ipswich, Bolton and Wycombe to look forward to.
It’s a challenge that could either make or break Pompey’s season – so what exactly lies in store?
Here, we take a look...
Six points will no doubt be the goal.
5. Ipswich (H) - October 19
This is probably one of the first fixtures Pompey fans will have went looking for when the fixtures were released. So they will be glad when it scheduled for a midweek night under the lights at Fratton Park. Big-spending Ipswich were massive bookies' favourites for the title before a ball had even been kicked. Yet, so far, they've failed to live up to those expectations and sit third from bottom without a win. You expect them to start stringing wins together soon given the quality they have - but will it be with Paul Cook in charge or someone else. The pressure is already on.
Photo: Lewis Storey
6. Accrington (A) - October 23
Accrington boss John Coleman has already succeeded in getting one over Pompey boss Danny Cowley - we all remember the final day of last season, don't we! And he'll be confident of a repeat at the Wham Stadium, with Accy sixth in the table with four wins from seven. As ever, Coleman's side continue to punch above their weight - but on closer inspection their four league wins to date have come across opponents you'd expect them to beat - Cambridge, Doncaster, Crewe and Shrewsbury. Against the big boys - Wycombe and Sunderland - they've subsequently lost. That bodes well for Pompey.
Photo: Gareth Copley
7. Bolton (H) - October 30
It's hard not to be impressed by Bolton's return to League One, with Ian Evatt's side currently sitting third in the table with 12 points. Yes, they've played more games than most, but their 5-2 victory against Ipswich last time out sent out a strong statement - as did their wins against last season's play-off sides Oxford and Lincoln. One crumb of comfort for the Blues is their tendency to concede. Although, the Blues will quickly need to find their shooting boots to make the most of any opportunity they're presented with.
Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
8. Wycombe (H) - November 13
It's been an okay start for Gareth Ainsworth's side in League One following their return to the division from the Championship. Victories against the likes of Accrington and Lincoln have been recorded; they've drawn with both Wigan and Oxford; but significantly lost 3-1 at Sunderland. Consistency is something they already appear to be struggling with this season, which is understandable given the recent journey they have been on. Pompey, you hope, will be desperate to make the most of that.
Photo: Dan Istitene