The Blues currently boast 10 players under the age of 21 and the manager wants to give them all a pathway to establish themselves at Fratton Park.
Not all will be used tonight. However, a select few will be handed the chance to show what they can do and highlight the development they’ve made since returning to training at the end of June.
New-boys Owen Dale and Tom Lowery are also expected to feature, but will they start?Here’s how we think Pompey could line up tonight for the first-round game at the Cardiff City Stadium.
9. Tom Lowery - attacking midfield
Like Owen Dale, fellow new signing Tom Lowery, is likely to feature against the Bluebirds. It's just a case of whether he starts or comes on as a substitute. We have him to start simply because Danny Cowley is a huge admirer of the attacking midfielder and will no doubt want to involve him and integrate him into the team as soon as possible. Photo: NationalWorld
10. Ronan Curtis - left-wing
The Irishman found himself on the bench for the visit of Lincoln on Saturday, with Danny Cowley opting for Michael Jacobs and Reeco Hackett down the wings. Is likely to earn a recall against Cardiff - a club Curtis has been linked with in the past. Photo: NatioanlWord
11. Dane Scarlett - striker
If Danny Cowley stays true to his word and goes for youth tonight, then Scarlett could well start. He's come off the bench twice so far in the league - and will be desperate to make his mark from the start following his loan arrival from Spurs. Photo: NationalWorld