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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9. CAM - Marcus Harness
Marcus Harness is starting to find the consistency to his performances that Blues fans have been crying out for. The attacker is Pompey's current top goalscorer with five in total, but has scored four in his past six appearances. Harness is instrumental to the club's attacking play and will be crucial once again on Saturday. Photo: JPIMedia
10. LM - Ronan Curtis
Alongside Harness, Curtis was a standout performer in the draw with Accrington and is starting to re-discover his form of old. The Republic of Ireland international opened the scoring against Accy and came agonisingly close to bagging a brace when his accurate effort was directed off the goal-line in the second half. Photo: JPIMedia
11. ST - John Marquis
Despite John Marquis' indifferent form, he is expected to lead the lie again against Bolton tomorrow. The former Doncaster striker has grown admiration from Cowley due to his work-rate off the ball, but he'll need to start finding the net consistently to help Harness and Curtis with the load. Photo: JPIMedia