Some huge decisions lie on the horizon for Pompey, as they bid to bolster their bid to finally reach the Championship.
We have looked into some of the key areas boss John Mousinho, sporting director Rich Hughes & Co need to tackle next month.
And we’ve also cast our eyes towards next summer and another raft of big calls which lie on the horizon for the Blues.
5. Mart-in?
It’s early days for former Norwich City man Josh Martin as he finds his feet with two games under his belt, but it won’t be long before Pompey have to make a call on whether they want the 22-year-old around for the season - with his short-term deal running until January. With the Blues committed to Tino Anjorin, much could depend on his hamstring recovery which continues at Chelsea. What Pompey can’t afford to do is sell themselves short. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Young guns call
It’s been a challenging time for Pompey’s homegrown talent involved at senior level. Defender Josh Dockerill hasn’t had a chance to show his worth after suffering a serious knee ligament injury last year, while Harry Jewitt-White has had to deal with a wretched loan at Hawks, with their season in tatters - though Steve King’s sacking has changed the dynamic at Westleigh Park. Their contracts run until next summer. Meanwhile, Liam Vincent’s three-year agreement ends with the left-sided player not looking close to first-team involvement. Photo: Dave Haines 07708 405508
7. Hope for Hume enquiries
The Denver Hume saga is another scenario likely to rear its head in the coming weeks. The left-back is firmly out of favour with Pompey trying to offload him in the summer. A move which suited all parties never materialised, however, but it’s certain to be one of the narratives next month. The former Sunderland man has been around the squad in recent weeks, as recognition for his professionalism. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Boosting young talent pool
John Mousinho has acknowledged Pompey are on the lookout for not just players who need to come in now and impact the promotion chase - but also talent which can be developed. That is leading to fair amount of recruitment work put into that area at under-21 and non-league level, where the Blues boss has personally taken in targets. Photo: Sarah Standing