The game against Paul Cook non-leaguers could potentially allow head coach John Mousinho to reshuffle his pack as he concentrates on maintaining the Blues’ place at the summit of League One.
That’s something the Pompey boss has experimented with in recent games, with match-winner Terry Devlin’s surprise inclusion from the start at Reading last week proving the Blues possess the resources and quality within their ranks to keep opponents guessing.
But with Mousinho insisting he’s taking his very first FA Cup game as a manager seriously, there’ll be no tinkering for the sake of it.
He told The News: ‘We’ll be taking it very seriously and we’ll be strong in terms of the line-up.
‘We’ve had a week leading into this. We don’t have a league game for six days afterwards. I know we’ve got the game on Tuesday night (against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy) but we want to take this game in isolation first before we look at anything in terms of team selection for Tuesday.
‘So, yeah, we’ll be approaching it as seriously as we approach a league game.’
Add the fact that Pompey will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of losing to a non-league side live of national television will also be on the Blues boss’ mind heading into the Proact Stadium encounter.
So what can we expect from Mousinho selection-wise ahead of this weekend’s Cup clash with the Spireites?
Well, this is how we think they’ll line up with the added luxury of having nine substitutes on the bench.
9. Right-wing: Paddy Lane
After a couple of quiet games for the Blues, the Northern Ireland international was back with a bang last Saturday against Reading with two assists as he seized control of the Blues' fightback. The three attacking positions behind Colby Bishop are the most likely areas to see change ahead of a game. However, you suspect Lane will keep his place as his importance grows. Photo: Jason Brown
10. No 10 Terry Devlin
After his dream debut against Reading last time out, it would be harsh to ask Devlin to take a back seat for his maiden FA Cup tie. His ability to stretch defences and his eye for getting into the from deep could be key against Paul Cook's side. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Left-wing: Abu Kamara
The on-loan Norwich man might get the nod over Tino Anjorin for this game for his ability to track back. It's not the Chelsea man's forte - as we seen against Reading last weekend. After a mini-break, Kamara should be back, raring to go again. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Centre-forward: Colby Bishop
The striker was back among the goals against Reading last Saturday, and with Bishop's eye for goal so important in last season's run to the third round, he'll no doubt lead the line against Chesterfield. Given his time spent in the non-league game, Bishop is sure to be relishing going back to his roots and proving how far he's come since then. Photo: Jason Brown