Pompey's third round FA Cup win over Ipswich was their first in the competition for more than a century against a team who play two divisions higher. Now the Blues are being challenged to go even one better than that and knock out a team from three divisions up.
Bournemouth, who are holding their own in a lively first season in the Premier League, are the visitors for Fratton's first fourth-round FA Cup tie since 2009 - and it should be a cracker.
The Cherries will start as strong favourites but Eddie Howe has a Premier League fixture in midweek to think about and may rest a number of his first-team regulars - with no certainty that ex-Pompey duo Matt Ritchie and Sylvain Distin will feature.
That said, Paul Cook has a Tuesday journey to Accrington to think about and may be tempted to make some changes himself.
He is keeping his selection cards fairly close to his chest as he looks forward to what he believes will be an afternoon to savour. It will certainly see pompey in the spotlight, with Football Focus coming live from the ground at lunchtime and Radio 5 set to have their commentary team at the game for full coverage.
Cook told the Pompey website: 'It’s a great occasion with a Premier League side visiting Fratton Park, which isn’t a regular occurrence here these days. So it’s a game that we’re very much looking forward to and also one where we’ll be trying our best to win.
'The reality is that we’re playing against very strong opposition. If they turn up and play well then we’re going to have our hands full. You look at the calibre of squads that top-flight teams carry and they can bring players into the side who are very good to say the least.
'We’ll prepare as best as we can and hopefully it will be an entertaining spectacle between two sides who want to play football. If we can give a good account of ourselves and get the fans off their seats — like we did against Ipswich — then I’m sure they’ll go home happy.
'It’s another sell-out for us at a time of the year when money is a bit tight, so it just goes to show how the people of Portsmouth get behind this club.'
Danny Hollands is still out, with Adam Barton and Ben Close battling to replace him alongside Michael Doyle. New loan defender Kieron Freeman can't play as he is cup-tied but Cook can choose two from three in the centre of defence with Christian Burgess fit again and pushing Matt Clarke and Adam Webster for a spot.
Bournemouth boss Howe told Sky Sports it would be a tricky afternoon for Bournemouth. He said: 'The Fratton Park pitch is quite close to the stands there and the Portsmouth crowd really stick with their players, so if we don't start well, it will be difficult for us.
'The mentality from when we arrive at the stadium will be key for us. We want to progress and coming into the third round now is still a new experience for us. A couple of wins and you are looking at the latter stages, so we will take it very seriously. The magic is there, if you want it to be, and the FA Cup can still be a huge competition in English football.'
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