But hopes of a top six spot had been nullified after they could only manage a draw against Oxford United in midweek.
This saw the Fratton faithful heavily criticise a number of John Mousinho’s squad as the Blues now embark on a seventh consecutive campaign in League One.
And the head coach rang the changes against Accrington on Saturday, which saw Harry Jewitt-White handed his EFL debut, while there were also starts for Di’Shon Bernard, Ryley Towler and Paddy Lane.
But there were a number of notable absentees from the starting XI and match-day squad, with the Blues boss using the contest to assess a number of players ahead of a busy summer.
We’ve taken a look at the standout omissions from Saturday’s starting side against Accrington and what it could mean for them.
5. Louis Thompson
There’s no doubting the midfielder is a fans' favourite with the Fratton faithful but he’s featured just nine times since Mousinho’s arrival in January. Thompson's current deal comes to a close in the summer and being overlooked in a much-changed side on Saturday could be a telling sign over his future. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Jay Mingi
Mingi was once-again left out of the squad on Saturday, with the Blues boss revealing the midfielder had picked up a knock in training on Friday. Injuries have affected his game time in recent months and is yet to make a league outing under Mousinho. His ongoing contract situation has prompted many questions from the Fratton faithful, with his long-term future yet to be resolved. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Sean Raggett
Mousinho was insistent that Raggett’s absence was to assess Bernard in the starting XI alongside Towler. The central defender has been a firm favourite of the head coach and his omission is not something which will affect his long-term future at Fratton Park. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Denver Hume
Another member of the squad who has failed to get game time under Mousinho. He’s made just four appearances with just one coming from the start. Despite arriving for a hefty £200,000 fee in January 2022, the defender has made just 29 outings in a disappointing spell at Fratton. Like Mingi, Hume’s absence on Saturday was put down to a knock picked up in training on Friday. Photo: Graham Hunt