Danny Cowley is expected to make wholesale changes from Saturday’s 1-0 win against Port Vale in League One.
Indeed, the Blues boss admitted he’ll give fringe players another chance to gain some more minutes despite the disappointing performance against Newport last week in the Carabao Cup.
There’s positive injury news ahead of the game with the Pompey head coach ‘hopeful’ Denver Hume will make a return to the squad after five months on the sidelines with injury.
Meanwhile, Joe Morrell is looking to continue his comeback from a hernia operation and is expected to start in the centre of midfield, while Zak Swanson has recovered from his knock at Rodney Parade.
However, there’ll be no place for loanees Harry Jewitt-White, Liam Vincent, Alfie Bridgman, Dan Gifford and Toby Steward after they had a double game weekend over the bank holiday.
Yet, Cowley admitted there could be at least four scholars involved in the first-team squad to make the short trip to the Broadfield Stadium tonight.
With Pompey looking to continue their impressive start to the campaign, here’s how we predict the Blues could line-up in their opening Papa John’s Trophy group game.
5. Denver Hume - LB
After five months away, Hume could finally be in contention to make his first Pompey outing since March. Cowley admitted they're taking his recover as a gradual process but expects the full-back to play some part in tonight's cup tie. Photo: National World
6. Reeco Hackett - RW
Hackett came on as a second half substitute in Saturday's 1-0 win over Port Vale. With wholesale changes expected in order to give fringe players minutes, this could see the 24-year-old make yet another cup start this season. Photo: National World
7. Jay Mingi - CM
The central midfielder has impressed in both league and cup so far this season. The 21-year-old has started every cup game to date and would come into the side in place of Marlon Pack as the holding midfielder. Photo: National World
8. Joe Morrell - CM
The Welsh international made his first outing as a second half substitute in Saturday's win at Port Vale after a hernia operation. Cowley revealed the midfielder will feature at the Broadfield Stadium and will likely partner Mingi in the engine room. Photo: National World