Yet the game has come at the worst possible time for Pompey amid their worrying injury situation.
The Blues boss has reported up to 10 names are currently on the treatment table - but is hopeful a few faces could be in line for a return to the squad.
Despite coming off through injury against Oxford on Tuesday, Sean Raggett (back), Ronan Curtis (dead leg) and Reeco Hackett (ankle) should all be available for the fixture.
But Cowley is adamant he will not reveal the extent of their woes in a bid to obtain any sort of advantage over their opposition.
But how will they approach the latest challenge against Shrewsbury?
Of course, only the head coach and his backroom staff know their current problems as he keeps his cards close to his chest.
But, here’s how we believe Pompey could line-up against the Salop on Saturday afternoon.
Despite coming off through injury against Oxford on Tuesday, Sean Raggett (back), Ronan Curtis (dead leg) and Reeco Hackett (ankle) should all be available for the fixture.
![Mr reliable has returned to his natural home at left-back, where he’s put on his consistent performances in recent matches. But, could the return of Denver Hume see Cowley opt to go more attacking as he looks to break back into the starting side?](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjZlNjk3ZjA0LWY1ZGYtNGI5ZS1iNzA2LWRkYjIwY2UwYWE1ZTo2Yjc2OTg3Yy01YWJhLTQzYmUtOTY0My1jZjRiYTRhOTNlZmM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. LB: Connor Ogilvie
Mr reliable has returned to his natural home at left-back, where he’s put on his consistent performances in recent matches. But, could the return of Denver Hume see Cowley opt to go more attacking as he looks to break back into the starting side? Photo: Jason Brown
![The winger was surprisingly dropped for Tuesday’s contest against Oxford, with Cowley explaining he wanted to freshen up his attack. The Blackpool loanee is likely to return to his starting spot on the right after coming on early in the second half in the 1-1 draw.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEzMmEwM2RjLTA5NjYtNGVkNy1iYWI1LTBkN2JkNThmNGIwMTpmOTM0Njg4Ni05YjJlLTRiNzctOTU3YS0zODRlNGQ0NTA0MTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. RW: Owen Dale
The winger was surprisingly dropped for Tuesday’s contest against Oxford, with Cowley explaining he wanted to freshen up his attack. The Blackpool loanee is likely to return to his starting spot on the right after coming on early in the second half in the 1-1 draw. Photo: Jason Brown
![We know the Buckland boy has been nursing a hamstring injury in recent weeks, despite being sent off against Charlton. Although Cowley will be reluctant to throw in the 31-year-old too soon, he will be conscious of the fact that his side have been too open in the midfield in his absence. The Blues boss didn't give anything away about Pack’s fitness in his pre-match press conference so there’ll be plenty of talk surrounding his availability on Saturday.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmM0NzNhNmJmLWQyOWUtNDFlNy1iNjRkLWVjZTlhMzNjMmZkNjo1YjM4ZGM5NC1mNGY1LTRiYTAtOTYwNS1mMTRiZDFmZmRlMWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. CM: Marlon Pack
We know the Buckland boy has been nursing a hamstring injury in recent weeks, despite being sent off against Charlton. Although Cowley will be reluctant to throw in the 31-year-old too soon, he will be conscious of the fact that his side have been too open in the midfield in his absence. The Blues boss didn't give anything away about Pack’s fitness in his pre-match press conference so there’ll be plenty of talk surrounding his availability on Saturday. Photo: Jason Brown
![The youngster has become the latest favourite at Fratton Park after his emergence in the first team squad this season. That was made more notable after his man-of-the-match performance on his EFL debut against Forest Green last week. As injuries continue to hit the Blues’ squad, Cowley could opt to start the 21-year-old ahead of Ryan Tunnicliffe if Tom Lowery and Joe Morrell miss the cut.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjkzOWQ2MjFmLTQ1NTEtNGMxNi05OTg5LTNlMjkxZmVhZTY5Zjo4MzdmNWZhOC1kODAwLTQzZDItYTFmZi1iZWNiMWM2ZTFjYjg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. CM: Jay Mingi
The youngster has become the latest favourite at Fratton Park after his emergence in the first team squad this season. That was made more notable after his man-of-the-match performance on his EFL debut against Forest Green last week. As injuries continue to hit the Blues’ squad, Cowley could opt to start the 21-year-old ahead of Ryan Tunnicliffe if Tom Lowery and Joe Morrell miss the cut. Photo: Jason Brown