Victory against the Bluebirds - one of the Blues’ main relegation rivals - will set the tone for a crunch set of fixtures that immediately lie in wait and could determine the club’s Championship fate.
Anything other than that at P04 - a place where John Mousinho’s side have enjoy plenty of success in recent months until Millwall’s visit two weeks ago - will pile the pressure on Pompey and give those around them in the lower reaches of the division hope that they can overcome their own relegation struggles.
The team Mousinho puts out against 19th-placed Cardiff will be imperative. Last Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United saw the head coach name an unchanged side to the one that drew 0-0 with Burnley. That surprised many of the Fratton faithful. So the questions is: will he do the same tonight after the Blues produced their best performance of the season at Bramall Lane - despite the defeat? Or will he make changes to his side in areas that could possibly need fresh legs?
Here’s how we think Pompey could line up against Cardiff, with a key decision taken on one of the Blues’ six loan options - Isaac Hayden.
9. Right wing - Callum Lang
A bit of a surprise one this, but with Pompey all of a sudden having options in the forward department, could tonight see Lang put out on the right wing, which is his preferred position, so that Mousinho can accommodate January arrival Adil Aouchiche in the No10 role? It would be a bit harsh on Matt Rtichie but its definitely one worth trying tonight! Would potentially also take Cardiff by surprise. | National World
10. No10 - Adil Aouchiche
We reckon Fratton Park could be the stage tonight for Pompey to unleash January loan arrival Adil Aouchiche. The skilful Frenchman came off the bench for his debut against Sheffield United but could be handed his full debut as the Blues look to add a bit more sparkle and cutting edge to their front line against a side that conceded seven against Leeds in their last Championship outing. | National World Photo: Portsmouth Fc
11. Left wing - Josh Murphy
Murphy was Pompey's man of the match against Sheffield United as he had Blades defender Harry Clarke on toast! It was a performance that deserved more at the final whistle - and Pompey fans will be hoping for more of the same as the winger is reunited with his former club tonight. | National World
12. Centre-forward - Colby Bishop
There have been calls for Bishop to be rested after he missed one or two guilt-edged chances against Sheffield United on Saturday. That's far enough, given the amout of football he's played since recovering from heart surgery. But there's no denying Bishop is a handful and a tough opponent for any centre-half. He gets the nod to start - but don't be surprised if Mark O'Mahony is named on the bench so that Pompey have decent options up front for the latter stages of the game when there'll be a lot of tired bodies - hopefully in the Cardiff backline. | National World