Former Portsmouth players Ryan Bird and Dan Butler return to the Hampshire club with Newport County on Saturday.
Each of them will play a crucial role at Fratton Park (3pm).
The Exiles are fighting for their lives and their clash with promotion-chasing Pompey is a massive fixture for both clubs.
Newport have won on their last four visits to Portsmouth and current manager Mike Flynn scored with goals in a 2-0 victory during 2013.
Flynn has been in charge for the last four League Two matches and Newport have earned seven points from a possible 12, but they are still six points from safety.
“We have narrowed the gap to two matches,” says Flynn. “That’s a positive and we will keep fighting.
“The players have been brilliant and put in every bit of effort they have. I can’t fault their work-rate and desire.
“Getting out of the bottom two is a tough ask, but it’s not impossible.”
County have eight matches left – four at home, four away – and Flynn is asking his players to be more careful when defending.
They have conceded 19 penalties this season, more than any other club in the division, and 14 have been converted.
“We’ve not been unlucky, there have been mistakes,” said Flynn. “I will be drumming it home to the boys again.
“There have been a lot of silly fouls, a few dubious decisions against us, but on the whole I think a lot of them have been penalties.
“You can’t dive in the box, you can’t pull shirts. You have to be so careful now, stand up, move you feet, make the striker do something extraordinary to get a shot off.
“But it’s done now, I can’t change it. I’d love to change it, but we’ve given away too many penalties and it’s cost us.”
Flynn and assistant Wayne Hatswell now have former Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence by their side, working as a management consultant.
“It was my idea to bring Lennie,” said Flynn. “I’m not arrogant. I know the things I need to improve on and I know what I’m good at.
“If I can’t learn from someone like Lennie then I am in the wrong game.
“Against Luton, straight away, his advice was outstanding. His experience is invaluable.”
Newport have both Mark O’Brien and Mitch Rose suspended while Jamie Turley, Lenell John-Lewis and Ben Tozer remain injured.
The home team will be missing previously ever-present defender Christian Burgess because of suspension, but striker Nicke Kabamba may start.
