Zak Swanson, Clark Robertson and Ronan Curtis are all doubts for the match and have this week joined Tom Lowery, Joe Rafferty, Louis Thompson, Michael Jacobs and Jayden Reid on the injured list.
Danny Cowley is hopeful ‘one or two’ could recover in time to face Paul Warne’s side in front of the Sky TV cameras.
But with the Blues’ luck with injuries this season, hope is as good as it gets!
Coupled with some below-par performances lately, Cowley certainly has his work cut out in selecting a team to face a Derby side unbeaten in seven and positioning themselves for a concerted promotion assault.
Only he and his backroom staff will know exactly how to tackle tonight’s challenge, but here’s how we think Pompey could line up as they try to get their own promotion challenge back in full swing.
5. Denver Hume - left-back
The former Sunderland man has been building up his minutes in recent weeks after back and calf injuries. He did well when coming off the bench at Morecambe last weekend, and while there might be the temptation to play him further up the field given Josh Koroma's recent struggles on the left-wing, the sensible money would be on Hume earning a starting place at left-back, with Connor Ogilvie moving over into centre-back. Photo: Paul Thompson
6. Owen Dale - right-wing
There's no denying, the on-loan Blackpool winger has been struggling for form in recent matches. But with Cowley's attacking options, especially on the flanks, under strain at present, it might be a case of persevering with Dale in the hope that he can rediscover some of the form he displayed earlier in the season. Photo: Paul Thompson
7. Marlon Pack - central midfield 1
The former Derby target made a welcome return to the Pompey side at Morecambe last week. He'll be the first to admit a rusty performance was the result after nearly a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. But with another full week of training under his belt, and the Sky TV cameras in town, the experienced midfielder will be keen to remind the Fratton faithful - plus those who watched the Sky game at Charlton last month - exactly what he's about. Photo: Paul Thompson
8. Jay Mingi - central midfield
A problem position for Danny Cowley. With Tom Lowery expected to be absent again, Louis Thompson still recovering from a broken leg and Joe Morrell on World Cup duty with Wales, it will be either Mingi or Ryan Tunnicliffe to start alongside Pack in the engine room. Like those around him, Mingi has struggled in recent games, with the midfield not as compact as you'd wish when he starts. That's no surprise given his in experience at this level. However, with energy, legs, drive and passion a must tonight under the lights, he could get the nod over Tunnicliffe who is maybe feeling the affects of so many games in recent weeks. Photo: Paul Thompson