The Blues still have 18 League One games remaining and 54 points to play for – but overhauling the current 12-point gap to sixth-placed Barnsley looks unattainable.
Of course, no-one is saying that Pompey should throw the towel in and write the rest of the season off.
However, should now be the time to starting looking to the future and the 2023-24 campaign, in particular?
In his first five matches in charge, new head coach John Mousinho has made just six changes to his starting XI in total.
That means seven players – Sean Raggett, Ryley Towler, Connor Ogilvie, Marlon Pack, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Owen Dale and Colby Bishop – have started all those games, while the likes of Denver Hume, Reeco Hackett, Joe Pigott and deadline-day signing Paddy Lane have been restricted to cameo appearances from the bench only.
Injuries and suspension account for five of those changes, but how’s about giving others a go, seeing that the Blues’ form hasn’t miraculously changed in recent weeks?
Why not bring others in who probably fit the brief of front-footed, energetic, aggressive players and who could allow Pompey to build on something heading into next season.
That means some difficult decisions being made, but surely they’ll be worth it if it re-energises the squad and the fans.
Of course, injuries are still impacting Mousinho’s selection choices.
But here’s an alternative XI from those available for tomorrow night’s game against Burton who we think could facilitate a change in the Blues’ fortunes and allow them to build for the future.
After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
9. Denver Hume - midfield 3
Now referred to Pompey's forgotten man, the former Sunderland wing-back really needs to start making his mark on this Pompey side. There's been glimpses of the quality he possesses going forward, but not enough because of his injury woes. Hume is capable of playing at left-back, but has defensive frailties, which means further up the pitch might suit him. If Pompey need legs, energy and creativity in midfield in the absence of Jay Mingi, then Hume could be that player on the left-hand side. Photo: Graham Hunt
10. Reeco Hackett-Fairchild - right-wing
Owen Dale has proven to be a very good loan signing from Blackpool and no-one can fault his work-rate and commitment. However, his goals and assists record continues to undermine those obvious qualities. The chances of him staying at Fratton Park beyond this season are remote, so why not - even if it's just an experiment - hand the right-wing position to someone else, namely Reeco Hackett. Yes, he can frustrate due to a lack of consistency - but we all know there's a player there. Maybe he just needs a consistent run of games. He's made a big difference to Pompey on his last two substitute appearances. Photo: Graham Hunt
11. Colby Bishop - centre-forward
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Bishop has been a reliable presence up front. Just lacks decent service at times. Photo: Graham Hunt
12. Paddy Lane - left-wing
The deadline day signing has been limited to just two appearances off the bench. He's impressed in those outings. Now is surely the time to unleash him for real. Photo: Graham Hunt