And John Mousinho’s side have major selection issues as Andy Crosby’s side arrive at PO4, after a decent start to the campaign themselves.
The Blues have been hit with major problems going into the game, after being decimated by injuries and suspensions.
We wait for the latest on that front when John Mousinho addresses the press later today, but, as things stand, he is without EIGHT first team players going into the game.
Captain Marlon Pack picked up an ankle injury at Wigan on Saturday and faces at stint on the sidelines.
He joins Connor Ogilvie (groin), Kusini Yengi (knee), Anthony Scully (knee), Tom Lowery (knee) and Josh Dockerill (knee) who are all in the treatment room.
To compound Pompey’s problems key first-teamers Alex Robertson and Regan Poole are both out for the game after picking up five yellow cards.
We’ve looked at the options available to Mousinho to deal with his selection headache.
5. Conor Shaughnessy
The defender has been an under-the-radar revelation this season since being left out of the squad on the opening day. Hit a new high with the late winner against Wycombe, but can operate as a defensive midfielder - as he did at Fratton Park for Burton Albion last season. Would two new centre-halves be too much upheaval, however, with Regan Poole suspended? Photo: Jason Brown
6. Sean Raggett
Has been incredibly unfortunate to find himself out of the starting XI this season, with that development owing more to the form of Regan Poole than anything the long-serving defender has done wrong. Performed well when called upon and will be the favourite to come in for Poole, as he serves a one-game ban. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Ryley Towler
Another option would be for Mousinho to shift Conor Shaughnessy across to the right side of his central defensive pairing, and bringing Ryley Towler into the team in his preferred left-sided central role. That would be a popular call and get a player with the ball-playing skills Mousinho likes in his central defenders into the team. It would mean, however, more disruption than perhaps necessary. Photo: Jason Brown