Pompey take on League One side Coventry City in the first round of the League Cup tomorrow evening.
Team News
Paul Cook has already admitted that he will make changes from the team that drew with Carlisle on Saturday. New signings Liam O'Brien and Amine Linganzi could make their debuts whilst Gareth Evans could also make the squad.
Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray may hand a start to Chris McCann as his team looks to bounce back following their late defeat to Swindon last weekend.
The Match
Given the uproar the idiots at the Football League have created with their farcical League Trophy format, it seems people have forgotten all about the League Cup!
Whilst it's not a priority for Pompey, the competition produced arguably the best result of last season for Paul Cook's men when they deservedly beat Championship side Derby County at Fratton Park.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the entire front six change for this game although the squad won't be weakened that much. Conor Chaplin will hopefully start and who knows? Maybe Cook will hand him a strike partner?
Tom Davies and Adam Buxton may also be given the chance to impress against a team a division higher but it's doubtful that Coventry will be taking this game too seriously either given that their aim for the campaign is promotion and defeat at Swindon wasn't the best way to begin.
Tony Mowbray's sides like to play open football so those hardy souls who make the trip to the Midlands tomorrow could be in for a treat. Pompey's squad depth means that they're more than capable of winning this one.
But not even Pompey's biggest squinnys will be complaining too much if they lost given the amount of extra games the team will have to play already this season.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Coventry
GK: Reice CHARLES-COOK
RB: Jordan WILLIS
CB: Sam RICKETTS
CB: Cian HARRIES
LB: Ryan HAYNES
RM: Vladimir GADZHEV
CM: Andy ROSE
CM: Chris McCANN
LM: Kyel REID
CF: Marvin SORDELL
CF: Kwame THOMAS
Pompey
GK: David FORDE
RB: Adam BUXTON
CB: Tom DAVIES
CB: Jack WHATMOUGH
LB: Enda STEVENS
DM: Ben CLOSE
DM: Amine LINGZANI
RM: Ben TOLLITT
AM: Conor CHAPLIN
LM: Kyle BENNETT
CF: Curtis MAIN
Last Time: Coventry City 1 Portsmouth 1 (League One - 24/11/2012)
Gary McSheffrey slotted past Alex Cisak to give the hosts the lead but just when it seemed like Pompey would slip to their eighth consecutive defeat, Izale McLeod popped up and equalised in the last minute of stoppage time.
My Prediction
I believe we will go there and win for no particular reason and if we lose, never mind, eh?
Coventry City 1 Portsmouth 2