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.
9. Reeco Hackett-Fairchild - left-wing
Let's be honest, Pompey need an attacking spark from somewhere. And with Josh Koroma struggling to do that lately, Hackett could just be the man to light the touch paper. Does show flashes of what he can do with the ball - but needs to do it more consistently. Tonight could be his chance given Koroma's confidence problems, Ronan Curtis' ankle injury and Michael Jacobs' ongoing battle with a hamstring injury. Photo: Paul Thompson
10. Dane Scarlett - centre-forward 1
The on-loan Spurs ace is struggling for goals at present. He's hasn't found the back of the net since his double against Peterborough on September 3 - but with the 18-year-old delivering pace, power, energy and a directness to the Blues' attack, that's capabilities better suited to a starting role than a place on the bench. Photo: Paul Thompson
11. Colby Bishop - centre-forward 2
With the team struggling for goals at present, Colby Bishop's presence is a must. 11 goals this season is a great return. Take those out of the side this term and the Blues would be six points worse off, which proves his importance during a tricky period. Photo: Paul Thompson