That loss at London Road brought John Mousinho’s winning start to life at Fratton Park to a dramatic halt and demonstrated the job at hand is far from simple.
Injuries once again impacted the Blues, as did a suspension, with Joe Morrell sitting out the visit to Posh.
There’s better news on that front, though, heading into the game with the Tykes.
Tuesday’s signings of Paddy Lane and Di’Shon Bernard also provide the Blues squad with a welcome boost.
But will any of the above find themselves in Mousinho’s starting line-up for another crucial game at PO4?
Here’s how we think Pompey could start today’s game...
1. Portsmouth Head Coach John Mousinho during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Peterborough United and Portsmouth at London Road, Peterborough, England on 28 January 2023.
Portsmouth Head Coach John Mousinho during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Peterborough United and Portsmouth at London Road, Peterborough, England on 28 January 2023. Photo: Jason Brown
2. Matt Macey - goalkeeper
The on-loan Luton keeper is proving a real find by Pompey. Has been excellent so far for the Blues following his January arrival and produced a man-of-the-match display in last week's defeat at Peterborough. Photo: Jason Brown
3. Zak Swanson - right-back
The youngster will be nervously looking over his shoulder as Joe Rafferty closes in on a Pompey return. Against Posh, Swanson was handed another hard lesson in how tough League One can be if you're not at the top of your game. He's lucky that no-one is expecting Rafferty to walk straight back into the side after five months out through injury.
The former Gunner needs to conscious of Di'Shon Bernard's versatility, too. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Sean Raggett - centre-back 1
Produced another battling display in the defeat against Peterborough. He gets the nod over new-boy Di'Shon Bernard, whose sights might be better off focusing on Zak Swanson's right-back role, with the Man Utd loanee capable of playing at right-back. Photo: Jason Brown