Adams, who devised the 4-5-1 formation that took the Blues to FA Cup success last term, is considering reverting back to that line-up for the clash with a German side who boast a formidable record at their Volkswagen Arena.

That could mean either Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe left out of the starting line-up for a game Pompey cannot afford to lose – although Adams was coy on his tactical plans.

He said: 'How many players you have in certain positions is not always necessary. It is about bedding things down. We have a certain style at Fratton Park, where the fans our demanding of the way we play.

'But away from home, we're not so adventurous, it must be said, and I think that's sensible.'

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Adams is also intent on finding a separate style of play away from their Fratton Park fortress as Pompey develop under his leadership.

He said: 'When you are attacking, I like everyone to attack – maybe apart from David James.

'People have seen how we are trying to develop – both at Fratton Park and away from home. My old boss George Graham always had a set way of playing away from home.

'If I'm around long enough, we will all see how we're trying to develop.'

But Wolfsburg counterpart Felix Magath believes Pompey will line up with their usual 4-4-2 formation in an open encounter.

Magath said: 'They won't change their style. They play a 4-4-2 system with strong offensive full-backs who like to attack at every opportunity.'

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