At the 12-game mark, John Mousinho’s men remain undefeated and six points clear of third spot after racking up six successive wins in all competitions.
Admittedly, these are still early days for the Blues, but let’s have a look at those players who have taken them to such an encouraging position to date.
Here is every member of Pompey’s playing squad rated and reviewed for their contribution so far in the 2023-24 campaign...
9. Ryley Towler - 5
Enjoyed an outstanding second half to last season following his signing from Bristol City, but this term has so far been deeply disappointing. Named in the starting XI on the opening day against Bristol Rovers and has since lost his place to the impressive Conor Shaughnessy. Limited appearances so far, but has failed to regain last term's heights and now surely the Blues' fourth-choice centre-half. Scored in the 5-1 demolition of Gillingham in the EFL Trophy earlier this month. (5 games, 1 goal) Photo: Jason Brown
10. Sean Raggett - 6
Forced to play largely a back-up role so far this season due to the form of Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy, when he has hardly put a foot wrong. Scored a goal-of-the-season contender against Fulham Under-21s in the EFL Trophy and produced a solid job when replacing the suspended Poole against Port Vale, but had little opportunities to show his worth. Perhaps a harsh rating, yet it reflects a lack of match minutes in League One. (10 games, 2 goals) Photo: Jason Brown
11. Zak Swanson - 7
Missed the last 20 matches of last season through injury, yet remarkably this term has picked up where he left off before that unlucky lay-off. One of the success stories of 2022-23, Swanson continues to enhance his reputation, although crucially finds his way barred at right-back by the classy Joe Rafferty, lacking the assists his rival possesses. Turned in an outstanding man-of-the-match display at Derby, with it later emerging he did so while his mother was tragically dying of cancer. (7 games, 1 goal) Photo: Jason Brown
12. Marlon Pack - 8
Pack started the season slowly, but had struck a fine run of form before being taken out by a poor Charlie Wyke challenge to be sidelined with ankle ligament damage. Pompey's most influential captain since Michael Doyle is a huge presence on and off the pitch and he produced an inspirational display in the 3-1 success over Peterborough having been involved in all three goals. Perfectly knits the defence with the midfield, a loss evident in the first half against Port Vale and will be interesting to see how Blues fare in his absence. (11 games, 1 goal) Photo: Jason Brown