A win for the Blues over a side deep in relegation trouble would go a long way to securing their Championship status for another season. A victory for Miron Muslic’s side, on the other hand, would give the Pilgrims hope of a great escape and put seeds of doubt in the minds of those at Pompey who are already planning for second-tier football next term.
With that in mind, Pompey will more than likely keep faith with the side that turned the title race on its head and beat Leeds on Sunday. However, with the effort each and every one of the Blues players put in against Daniel Farke’s side, does John Mousinho tweak his starting XI slightly to ensure no-one goes into the game with a bit of leftover fatigue in theire legs?
We’ll have to wait until 6.45pm, when the team is officially announced, to find out. In the meantime, here’s how we think the Blues will line up against the Pilgrims.
For your next Pompey read: 'How can you not be happy?': Portsmouth boss still loving life on the south coast with 'amazing' football club
1. The Pompey player will be on a high after Sunday's win against Leeds United
The Pompey player will be on a high after Sunday's win against Leeds United | National World
2. Goalkeeper - Nicolas Schmid
The Austrian was simply magnificent against Leeds, saving Pompey on numerous occasions. What a find he's turning out to be. | National World
3. Right-back - Zak Swanson
The full-back is really on a roll at the moment, with the Leeds game his ninth successive start for the Blues. The former Arsenal man is one player who John Mousinho might consider resting, especially with Terry Devlin more than capable of stepping in. However, expect the 24-year-old to make it 10 straight starts against the Pilgrims after another impressive showing against Leeds. | National World
4. Centre-back 1 - Regan Poole
What a game the former Lincoln man had against Leeds - just three games into his comeback from a lengthy hamstring injury. Pompey will be wary about over-using 26-year-old , having done so already this term and paid the penalty. The presence of Alexander Milosevic and Ryley Towler will take the pressure off, but another reshuffle at the back is the last thing Pompey need right now. Poole starts! | National World