And Blues boss John Mousinho has some huge calls, as he sends his men into the white-hot atmosphere of a south-coast derby.
There will be good players who won’t make the squad let alone the bench, after the close of summer transfer business on September 1.
Here’s how Pompey writer Jordan Cross thinks Mousinho will go with the stakes high along the M27.
1. Southampton v Portsmouth: Jordan Cross' predicted line-up as Mousinho faces big calls
Pompey's predicted line-up for south-coast derby | The News
2. GK: Nicolas Schmid
Renewed competition from fresh arrival Josef Bursik, but Schmid is light years ahead of other keepers in pecking order. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
3. RB Zak Swanson
Nip and tuck still with Jordan Williams, but Swanson was strong against Preston and deserves the chance to start. Has risen to big occasions in the past. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
4. CB: Regan Poole
Josh Knight is pushing for inclusion but no way Poole can come out of the starting line-up on current form. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages