Portsmouth right-back Ross McCrorie has said this weekend's game against Peterborough United at the Weston Homes Stadium is 'huge' occasion for both sides.

Pompey are back in League One action after their FA Cup exploits ended for another year on Monday evening, losing 2-0 to Arsenal in the fifth round at Fratton Park.

It has always been the case that the league schedule remained the priority for Kenny Jackett's side, and so it proved on Monday as the Portsmouth manager rested key players for this upcoming game.

Peterborough currently sit in 8th in table, three points below Pompey in 3rd, showing just how close the fight for promotion is proving to be.

The on-loan Portsmouth right-back knows how important the game is for his side as they look to strengthen their promotion ambitions, and steer clear of the chasing pack.

“It’s a huge game for both sides this weekend – Peterborough need to win to stay in the race and we want to build a gap to the teams behind us," the Scot told the club website.

“They’ve got a fantastic forward line who have scored plenty of goals and so it’s going to be a real test for us.”

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Peterborough forward Ivan Toney is the top scorer in the division, with 23 goals. Mo Eisa also has 14 more, bringing their combined total of goals to 37.

If that was not difficult enough to deal with for Pompey, the south coast side have been inconsistent away from home so far this term.

They have lost their last two games on the road and McCrorie said that Pompey have to address it sooner rather than later.

“I don’t know why we haven’t been as strong away, but it’s something we do need to sort if we want to win promotion," he said.

“This is the business end of the season and there are a lot of games coming up now, but we’re looking forward to it."

The Verdict

Coming up against a Peterborough side in a respectable run of form will be a challenge for Pompey.

The Posh have won six of their last eight games in the league, including their last four at home.

Pompey have also struggled to score goals on their travels this season, averaging just over one per game.