We're not quite at the stage of the run-in where one game can make or break any team's promotion hopes - but Carlisle v Pompey could go a long way to dictating which of the two teams involved will have a good chance of finishing in the top three.

The opening day of the season seems a long, long time ago now and it is - more than six months have passed - but it is unlikely we will see United defending at all costs, and not really bothering to attack, against the Blues as they did that day.

The teams drew 1-1 at a sun-baked Fratton that afternoon - what would a similar result do for Pompey's hopes this time? Well three points are what's wanted but one would not be a disaster, keepin,g as it would, Paul Cook's team six points behind Keith Curle's with a game in hand.

More importantly, Pompey cannot afford to lose at Brunton Park if they want to maintain realistic hopes of breaking into that top three - something skipper Michael Doyle is happy to accept.

Doyle told the Pompey website: 'There are so many points to play for in quick succession as we look to make up ground on the sides above us. I have a feeling that we’re going to finish this season strongly, so hopefully that will be the case.

'That's because we have so much quality on the bench, with people who can come on and totally change the game. But I’ve been guilty in the past of looking at all the fixtures ahead and trying to rack up points, so it’s important we take each game as it comes.

'We need to focus on what’s directly ahead of us — and at the moment that’s Carlisle. We’re in a really good place at the moment, so we need to keep that going and continue to drive on. There’s so much to play for between now and at the season. We go into every game looking to win and I don’t think that will change on Saturday.'

Pompey could go with an unchanged side for the fifth straight game, with Curtis Main still their only injury absentee. Conor Chaplin is pushing for a start after his goal rescued the Blues at Barnet last week but he is likely to start the afternoon on the bench.

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