After the bitterly disappointing defeat to Ipswich Town 10 days ago – the Blues’ last game at Fratton Park – the former Lincoln manager ditched his three at the back formation for the trip to Accrington last weekend.
And Pompey answered some of the questioned asked of them at the Wham Stadium as those selected performed well and, arguably, should have walked away from Lancashire with all three points.
Although it may appear that the Fratton Park chief is continually tinkering, he has been quick to explain that the principles of his tactics stay the same, regardless of the formation.
As a result, it is likely that Cowley will stick with the players who started last week, which means there will be notable exclusions – including the ever-present Ryan Tunnicliffe and Kieron Freeman.
Click through to see who The News are predicting to be involved from the off against Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.
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5. LB - Lee Brown
Lee Brown has expertly captained the Blues in Clark Robertson's absence and has been one the club's most consistent performers this term. The 31-year-old has shown his versatility by switching between left-back and wing-back while maintaining his goalscoring touch. The former Bristol Rovers man has scored three league goals so far this season. Photo: JPIMedia
6. CM - Joe Morrell
The Wales international has been one of the first names on the team-sheet throughout the last month due to his assured and impressive performances. Morrell has usually been a standout figure even in less than impressive team performances. He'll once again be if the Blues are to come out victorious tomorrow. Photo: JPIMedia
7. CM - Shaun Williams
Following an expert display against Accrington, Williams is expected to partner Morrell again against Bolton. What's perhaps more impressive than his performance against Accy was that he dislodged Ryan Tunnicliffe from the starting XI in Lancashire. Williams answered a lot of questions raised at him at the Wham Stadium and will be hoping to do so again tomorrow. Photo: JPIMedia
8. RM - Reeco Hackett
Reeco Hackett is another player who impressed last Saturday and his performance against Accrington was arguably his best in a Pompey shirt to-date. His athleticism and pace causes defenders a number of problems and it would be hard to drop him after his display against Accy. Photo: JPIMedia