Zak Swanson, Clark Robertson and Ronan Curtis are all doubts for the match and have this week joined Tom Lowery, Joe Rafferty, Louis Thompson, Michael Jacobs and Jayden Reid on the injured list.
Danny Cowley is hopeful ‘one or two’ could recover in time to face Paul Warne’s side in front of the Sky TV cameras.
But with the Blues’ luck with injuries this season, hope is as good as it gets!
Coupled with some below-par performances lately, Cowley certainly has his work cut out in selecting a team to face a Derby side unbeaten in seven and positioning themselves for a concerted promotion assault.
Only he and his backroom staff will know exactly how to tackle tonight’s challenge, but here’s how we think Pompey could line up as they try to get their own promotion challenge back in full swing.
1. Josh Griffiths - goalkeeper
One of the few who returned home from last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Morecambe with any credit. Made some big saves in that game to continue a recent theme for the on-loan West Brom youngster. Photo: Paul Thompson
2. Zak Swanson - right-back
The summer arrival took a knock to the knee in the second half against Morecambe and had to be substituted. He's a doubt for tonight's game but is expected to pull through and continue his recent good form in Joe Rafferty's continued absence. Photo: Paul Thompson
3. Sean Raggett - centre-back 1
With doubts surrounding Clark Robertson's participation tonight, it's good to know Sean Raggett will once again be available and ready to deal with Derby's James Collins and David McGoldrick. That should be an intriguing battle and one Raggett will relish. Photo: Paul Thompson
4. Connor Ogilvie - Centre-back 2
Let's face it, the chances of Clark Robertson recovering from the Achilles injury he picked up at Morecambe are remote, leaving Danny Cowley with a selection poser. Ideally, he'll not want to play Connor Ogilvie out of position again, but with Denver Hume fit and ready for more game time, it seems sensible to incorporate both in the team. Our guess is that Ogilvie will be chosen ahead of Michael Morrison to start alongside Sean Raggett in the centre of defence. Photo: Paul Thompson