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.
9. RW: Adrian Segecic
Could well be a new role for the Aussie on the right wing after international duty. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
10. ACM Conor Chaplin
He's one of our own - and the stage is set for his second Pompey debut. And what a setting. | Portsmouth FC
11. LW: Josh Murphy
So, so important to Pompey and will be central to their chances of picking up a result. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
12. ST: Colby Bishop
Could well be the key man. How Bishop leads the line and can afford Pompey some breathing space may prove as crucial as anything the Magic Man does in front of goal. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages