The Blues have played six warm-up games to date, with head coach John Mousinho using the opportunity to get as many minutes as possible into the legs of his players.
That’s meant different starting XIs being utilised for matches and major changes being made mid-game as preparations gather pace for day one of their latest league campaign.
But with just one pre-season friendly left, the focus will surely be on fine-tuning those plans and reinforcing combinations so that this new-look Blues side is firing on all cylinders by the time the Gas arrive on the south coast.
You suspect Mousinho will initially go strong, especially with the game being played at Fratton Park in front of expecting fans buoyed by the Blues transfer business this summer and the need to fully understand where his side are after games against non-league and League Two sides.
But what does that look like exactly? Well, here’s how we think Pompey could start Saturday’s game against Bristol City, with the temptation to rotate and try different things put to one side for the first half at least.
5. Centre-back 2: Ryley Towler
We all know Sean Raggett can play on the left side of a central defensive pairing, so that cannot be ruled out. However, it's something Mousinho is keen to avoid as he looks to play out from the back. Meanwhile, Towler has proven himself to be a shrewd piece of business by Rich Hughes. The former Bristol City man has enjoyed a good pre-season as he continues to grow in strength and looks set to start against City as Mousinho looks to mould a partnership with Regan Poole ahead of the new season. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Left-back: Connor Ogilvie
The arrival of Jack Sparkes from Exeter means Ogilvie faces stronger opposition for the left-back berth moving forward. However, his place in the team is his to lose - and so far the status quo remains. Should start against the Robins as moulding a back four and understanding with keeper Will Norris will provide solid foundation from which to build. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Central midfield 1 - Marlon Pack
The new club skipper was rested for the game at AFC Wimbledon in midweek and is expected to start against his former club at Fratton Park. The tidy and efficient Ben Stevenson looks a decent understudy, though, and will no doubt be itching to show the PO4 fans what he can offer. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Central midfield 2 - Joe Morrell
There'll perhaps be an element of wanting to protect certain players given their importance to the side - and Morrell fits the bill here. We all know what he can provide, so is it worth the risk? Then again, there'll be a desire from the Welshman to start after watching 76 minutes of the Wimbledon game from the bench. Photo: Jason Brown