He’s yet to name the same starting Xi for consecutive league games this season, so why should today’s Fratton Park game against Bristol Rovers be any different?
Especially when Joe Morrell, Clark Robertson, Denver Hume, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Jayden Reid all swapped the treatment table for the training pitch this week.
They – bar Tunnicliffe, who is edging closer to a Pompey exit – will now give Cowley a welcome selection headache going into the game with Joey Barton’s side.
But who’ll be included, who won’t and who’ll potentially make way from a match-day squad that is yet to taste defeat this season.
We have a look….
5. Connor Ogilvie
The left full-back can't do anything wrong in a Pompey shirt. He's such a consistent performer - and regardless of Denver Hume's return, he's now one of the first names on the team sheet. Hume will have to bide his time to stake his claim for a starting role, more likely against Newport on Tuesday night rather than against Bristol Rovers today. Doubt he'll even make the bench against the Gas. Photo: National World
6. Owen Dale
The winger's Fratton debut on Tuesday night was lively, with the on-loan Blackpool winger desperate to impress. Reeco Hackett remains someone Danny Cowley rates. He might be tempted to play the latter following his assist against Cambridge after coming off the bench. However, with clearly much more to come from Dale, he should get the nod. Photo: NationalWorld
7. Marlon Pack
We might as well hand Pack the player of the year trophy now given his impact since returning to Fratton Park. He's been simply immense - and despite the return of Joe Morrell, Pack will continue to lead the Pompey pack. It's down to Morrell, Louis Thompson, Tom Lowery and Jay Mingi to battle it out for the privilege of playing alongside him. Photo: NationalWorld
8. Louis Thompson
A player whose influence grew as last season progressed, Thompson was a shoe-in to start last term. It's not that simple now, though. Still a trusted lieutenant of Cowley's, the midfielder has a lot more competition around him now. Tom Lowery got the nod to start against Cambridge but Thompson could return given his superior strength in what will be a battle against Joey Barton's side. Joe Morrell might need to be eased in after missing a huge chunk of pre-season training as well. Photo: NationalWorld