Blues head coach John Mousinho wants to use the quarter-final tie to get competitive minutes into the legs of his fringe players and those who have just returned from injury.
And with players’ futures very much in focus as we approach the end of the season, the game will give the Pompey boss the additional chance to rule his eye on those whose how have had insufficient game time to make an impression during his two months at Fratton Park.
Here’s how we think the Blues could line up in a 4-3-3 formation at the Vitality Stadium tonight (7pm), with youngsters Josh Dockerill, Adam Payce, Harvey Laidlaw, Brian Quarm and Koby Mottoh expected to be on the bench.
5. Clark Robertson - centre-back
The club captain made his long-awaited return to action against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, with Robertson's three-minute cameo appearance his first run out since the 2-2 draw with Ipswich on December 29. Needs minutes to get back into his groove. The centre-back's contract is up at the end of the season. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Denver Hume - left-back
The former Sunderland man has endured a frustrating 12 months at Fratton Park. After sustaining a back injury in the 1-0 defeat to Plymouth on March 15, 2022, the left-sided player has started just 11 games for the Blues in all competitions. He's been omitted from seven of the past eight match-days squads and has racked up just 15 minutes of football under John Mousinho to date. Photo: Graham Hunt
7. Jay Mingi - midfield 1
The 22-year-old is yet to feature under John Mousinho after picking up a knee injury at the start of the year. Has been included in recent squads but without making the bench as Blues adopt careful approach. The highly-rated youngster is out of contract at the end of the season. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Tom Lowery - midfield 2
The midfielder made his long-awaited return from injury as a 59th-minute substitute in the recent win at Cambridge United. A start against Barnsley followed before the former Crewe man got 11 minutes as a sub against Sheffield Wednesday. Lowery wasn't used in the wins against Accrington and Bristol Rovers, though, remaining on the bench. Photo: Jason Brown