The Blues will be keen to do well in a competition they’ve impressed in in recent years.
And with John Mousinho’s squad more competitive than it has been recently, there’s a good chance that Pompey’s strength in depth will stand them in good stead this term.
That squad strength will be put to the test as – like the Blues’ trip to Forest Green in the Carabao Cup – Mousinho prepares to make changes to the side held by Cheltenham on Saturday.
But what will those changes look like and how many can we expect? Well, here’s the side we think the Blues could line up with as Fulham’s youngsters head to PO4.

. Portsmouth Head Coach John Mousinho during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Portsmouth and Cheltenham Town at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 19 August 2023.
Pompey head coach John Mousinho Photo: Jason Brown

. Goalkeeper: Ryan Schofield
The former Huddersfield keeper won't have been impressed with himself following his debut against Forest Green in the Carabao Cup. He'll be desperate to make amends against Fulham and prove to the Fratton faithful that he can challenge Will Norris for the No1 jersey. Photo: Jason Brown

. Right-back: Zak Swanson
During commentary of Pompey's league game against Exeter on Tuesday night, it was said the Blues have the two best right-backs in League One. That's great for John Mousinho, but not so great for Swanson, who continues to bide his time waiting for a slip-up for Joe Rafferty. He might be in for a long wait if that's the case! Photo: Jason Brown

5. Centre-back 2: Ryley Towler
Towler's current predicament is further proof of Pompey's strength and depth. In his pre-match Cheltenham press conference last week, John Mousinho said the defender was a 100-per-cent starter for any club in the third tier. However, that's not currently the case at Pompey, who Conor Shaughnessy above Towler in the pecking order. He'll be another one keen to make an impression and prove the head coach wrong. Photo: Jason Brown

6. Left-back: Jack Sparkes
Many of the Fratton faithful were disappointed the attack-minded Sparkes didn't start against Cheltenham on Saturday, given his impressive appearances from the bench. Be disappointed no more, though - the former Exeter man is nailed on to start against Fulham, and what a treat that will hopefully be. Photo: Jason Brown

7. Midfield 1: Ben Stevenson
The former Forest Green man has had to watch Pompey's four league games to date from the stands as he struggles to break into the match-day squad. Cup competitions seem his best bet at present to get game time. Here's hoping his determination to prove a point will come to the fore, rather than any rustiness that might have already set in. Photo: Jason Brown

8. Midfield 2: Terry Devlin
Like Stevenson, the summer arrival from Northern Ireland is finding his game time limited so far. That's understandable as the youngster adjusts to the English game following his move from Glentoran. Tuesday night's game will provide another opportunity to do that. Photo: Jason Brown