John Mousinho has used 30 players so far, while named 32 different ones in match-days squads, but still the Blues have struggled for consistency and that winning formula.
So who are the Fratton Park fringe players who could answer the SOS and potentially transform Pompey’s fading fortunes?
We have a look at those not currently injured, who perhaps Mousinho could call upon now – or even in January...
5. Harvey Blair
Had spent pre-season with Liverpool’s first-team, consisting of five appearances, and faced Manchester United in front of 77,559 in Columbia during an American tour. However, those summer outings all came as a substitute, totalling 108 minutes, but with no appearance longer than 27 minutes. Blair’s only competitive outings for Liverpool was one appearance in the Carabao Cup and two for the under-21s in the EFL Trophy. He has now featured seven times for Pompey, including a Football League full debut at Stoke, but not been included in the last three squads. Has demonstrated some promising moments, but Stoke was a struggle, while has physically been found wanting when pushed into a central attacking position on occasions. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Sammy Silvera
The Middlesbrough loanee started the Blues’ opening three matches, occupying the left wing, but has since made the line-up just twice. That absence has coincided with Josh Murphy’s return to fitness, restricting Silvera to largely substitute outings, while he was recently left out of the squad completely on two occasions after returning from international duty with Australia. Of his nine outings, five have been starts, and, while the winger has shown encouraging glimpses, particularly early on in the season, he has largely disappointed. Silvera made 37 appearances for Middlesbrough last season, of which 12 were starts, and scored four times, so at least has experience at this level. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Owen Moxon
Recruited from Carlisle in January to bolster Pompey’s promotion push, Moxon went on to score Pompey’s official goal of the season against Derby - and a crucial one at that. However, unlike fellow arrival Callum Lang, he was unable to nail down a regular place in the starting XI, with Tom Lowery, Myles Peart-Harris and Lee Evans preferred at times in the centre of midfield. Of his 15 outings last season, just eight were starts, with Mousinho often speaking of the importance of Moxon needing to adapt to a new playing system and very much perceived as a player for the following season. However, he has made just three appearances this term - all off the bench - and hasn’t featured since conceding the late penalty against Middlesbrough in August. Friday night’s visit of Sheffield Wednesday marked his first inclusion in the first-team 20-man squad in nine matches. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Tom Lowery
Surely no-one is romantic enough to suggest Lowery can come back into the side in January, when the 25-man squad registration can be re-evaluated? Started against Millwall in the Carabao Cup in August before being forced off after 66 minutes with a hamstring issue - for what could well be his final Blues appearance. Subsequently informed it would be in his interests to leave ahead of the transfer deadline, yet a destination was unable to be agreed and Lowery now cannot play for anyone until January. The likelihood is he departs when the transfer window reopens - or face remaining in limbo for the second half of the season as his Fratton Park contract runs down to the summer of 2025. Photo: Jason Brown