It’s the Blues final group stage game in the competition with at least against the Southern Group B leaders ensuring Danny Cowley’s men qualify for the knockout stages.
An upbeat head coach delivered positive news on the injury front, as Zak Swanson, Reeco Hackett, Marlon Pack and Tom Lowery returned to training on Monday.
After his loan at Weymouth ended a fortnight ago, Dan Gifford is available for the contest along with Harry Jewitt-White, whose temporary stay at Gosport expired on October 31.
Pompey will be looking to advance to the knockout rounds of the Papa John’s Trophy for the sixth consecutive campaign tonight.
Here’s how we predict the Blues will line-up against AFC Wimbledon this evening.
5. LB: Denver Hume
The ex-Sunderland man is back to full fitness after a troubled spell with back and calf issues. Cowley has used the competition to build-up the 24-year-old’s strength as he returns following a sixth-month absence. Hume will be given his chance again tonight to prove his worth in an attempt to dislodge Mr reliable Connor Ogilvie at left-back. Photo: Jason Brown
6. RW: Reeco Hackett
League One starts have been hard to come by for the winger this term, with the 24-year-old primarily used as a substitute. Hackett was man-of-the-match against Oxford last week before illness ruled him out against Shrewsbury on the weekend. Cowley revealed he’s back in training and will likely feature against the Wombles. Photo: Simon Roe
7. CM: Jay Mingi
Prior to his League One involvement, the Papa John’s Trophy has been Minigi’s competition having featured in both ties to date. The central midfielder has impressed throughout the season and has appeared in the Blues’ last three league games. But as injuries still affect Pompey’s squad, the 22-year-old could be favoured ahead of Ryan Tunnicliffe this evening. Photo: Jason Brown
8. CM: Harry Jewitt-White
The Welsh youth international returned to Fratton Park on Monday after his brief loan stint with Gosport came to an end. The youngster has been on the bench twice for the Blues this season against Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff. With Jewitt-White back in the camp, it could see Cowley hand Tunnicliffe a rest following his three successive League One appearances. Photo: Malcolm Bryce