A huge game coming up on the back up of an embarrassing defeat away from home.
Burton were the Blues’ opponents prior to that Black Cats clash – with Cowley struggling to hide his disappointment with what had just unfolded at the Pirelli Stadium.
He, nevertheless, stuck with the same starting XI that let him down against the Brewers for the Sunderland game – and we all know what happened there!
Now, he must decide whether to use the same tactic for tonight’s game against the Tractor Boys, with the hurt experienced at Rotherham still raw.
Cowley has already indicated he may be tempted to switch back to a 4-2-3-1 formation in a bid to stem the flow of goals his side have been conceding in recent weeks – 12 in six games.
That would also match up with the formation Paul Cook is synonymous with – but evidence suggests it makes the Blues less threatening in forward areas.
As a result, Cowley certainly has a selection headache on his hands, one which hasn’t been helped by fringe players failing recent auditions to step into the first team.
But if he is persuaded to go with four at the back, how would the side look?
Well, here’s what we think he might for with...
9. Attacking midfielder - Miguel Azeez
This would represent a huge call for Danny Cowley, particularly as the on-loan Arsenal ace has featured only once for the Blues. Yet the manager needs to do something to inject something different into his team's play - and Azeez could be that. There's no doubting his ability - and another eye-catching goal for England u-20s last week shows the threat he poses in front of goal. The question is: does Cowley through caution to the wind and through the youngster straight into the deep in? Surely it's worth a try. Photo: JPIMedia
10. Left-wing - Ronan Curtis
Ronan Curtis' absence against Rotherham caused a hole manner of issues for the Blues, proving his importance to the team. He'll walk back into the side for the visit of Ipswich. However, does have a track record of going missing in the big games. Pompey can ill afford the same happening tonight. Photo: JPIMedia
11. Striker - John Marquis
Marquis scored twice in the 4-0 thumping of Sunderland but the truth is it doesn't mean he'sautomatically back to his goalscoring best. Saturday's trip to Rotherham was proof of that. He'll get the nod against Ipswich tonight - and we all hope he scores. But there's enough evidence to suggest he's not the man to lead the line for Pompey moving forward. Photo: JPIMedia