Arsenal come to town this Sunday, as Pompey aim to spring a big FA Cup upset at PO4.
John Mousinho has to contend with his own issues, as he deals with an injury crisis which currently sees 10 players sidelined.
But the Gunners are managing a hectic fixture schedule, which sees them play five games in just 12 days -starting against champions Liverpool on Thursday.
That means the likelihood is a Mikel Arteta will shuffle his pack for the third-round clash - so we’ve taken a look at some of the names that potentially brings to the fore.
5. Ethan Nwaneri
Fratton Park looks exactly the place Arsenal could use to give the exciting attacking 18-year-old minutes, after six Premier League outings this season. | JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
6. Andre Harriman-Annous
The 18-year-old London-born striker already has Carabao Cup and Champions League exposure this season. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
7. Leandro Trossard
Had an ankle issue last month but started Premier League games over the Christmas period. Eleven starts and seven sub appearances in the league, but appeared off the bench in all three Carabao Cup games - suggesting Mikel Arteta will be prepared to use Belgian on Sunday. | Getty Images
8. Myles Lewis-Skelly
The 19-year-old left-back has started 13 league games with 12 sub appearances. A regular in Europe and the Carabao Cup with Fratton a likely stage for him amid a frantic Gunners schedule. | Getty Images