Pompey go to Wigan this weekend and it's one of those occasions when the sub-plot could get more headlines and hype than the game itself.
All the talk is about Pompey's early reunion with former manager Paul Cook, who left Fratton for the Latics just after the end of last season... after saying he would never want to leave.
Everyone has an opinion on the rights and wrongs of Cook's move and come 3pm Saturday, many Pompey fans will be more desperate than usual for their team to take the points.
And Blues boss Kenny Jackett, the man who got most people's approval when he was appointed as Cook's successor in the summer, is prepared to use the Cook factor to motivate his players.
'I understand the significance to the fans, of course I do,' Jackett told The News. ‘These situations get thrown up and it will be great for our supporters to go up in their numbers and make it a terrific atmosphere.
‘It’ll help our team and we have to respond to it with a bright, lively, energetic and enthusiastic performance. We’re capable of doing that. From my point of view, if I can harness any advantage I will. My aim is to try to make Portsmouth a successful and powerful side in this division.
‘I hope it works for us (facing Cook). In any of those scenarios I’d be stupid not to use it. Both sets of players and supporters are hugely important to a club. As a manager you are trying to influence both of those sets.
‘When they work together successfully and there’s a good bond between players and supporters, you can be successful. If there’s a possibility of that this weekend, if there’s a possibility of that this season, I have to develop that.'
Jackett has a couple of extra faces to choose from when he picks his team. Defender Nathan Thompson is back in contention after injury - useful with Drew Talbot out - while Dion Donohue is set to make his bow in midfield.
Jamal Lowe is also back in the fold after a three-match ban.
Pompey will be facing a Wigan side top of the table after three wins from three to start their season. They've conceded only one goal.
Jackett's team are 13th after beginning with one win, one defeat and one draw.
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