The Blues head coach surprised many by naming Zak Swanson and Connor Ogilvie in his starting XI against Cambridge in midweek – despite the recent good form of Joe Rafferty and Jack Sparkes.
He also included Christian Saydee in his line up as Pompey look to avoid burn-out within their ranks, with the end result being a goalless draw at the Abbey Stadium.
Whether or not he choses to do so again at the Royals remains to be seen. With Ogilvie back on the sidelines with an ankle injury, joining Marlon Pack, Tom Lowery and Anthony Scully in the treatment room, there’ll be less scope to do so.
But with the previously ill Gavin Whyte and Sean Raggett back in contention, there’s still the possibility!
So with that in mind, how do we think the Blues will line up against a Reading side currently sat second-from-bottom in the League One table?
Well, here’s what we’ve come up with.
9. Right wing: Gavin Whyte
The Northern Ireland international has missed the past two games through illness. He's yet to reach the heights many expected of him since his summer arrival from Cardiff. However, he would definitely supply fresh legs at a time when maybe Paddy Lane needs a rest. Photo: Jason Brown
10. No10: Alex Robertson .
The Manchester City loanee is definitely proving his worth to the Pompey promotion cause. A skilful operator, he could resume No10 duties at the Madejski in order to help the supply line to Colby Bishop, who didn't have much to feed off at the Abbey Stadium. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Left-wing: Abu Kamara
The on-loan Norwich man is perhaps someone who could do with a rest following some decent performances of late. However, with Jack Sparkes filling in at left-back and Anthony Scully out injured, options are more limited here. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Centre forward: Colby Bishop
The Blues' top scorer hasn't had much to feed off in recent games - hence the need to reshuffle the pack immediately behind him. Photo: Jason Brown