Too many players currently out of form means it’s a necessity.
Although, tonight’s opponents – in-form Oxford and Pompey’s play-off conquerors last season – could tempt Kenny Jackett to keep changes to a minimum as he gives key individuals another chance to play their way back into his good books.
Yet, if the manager does decide to shake it up, here’s what Pompey’s starting XI at the Kassam Stadium could look like...
1. Goalkeeper - Craig MacGillivray
Firmly established as the Blues' first-choice keeper but the number of times MacGillivray palms the ball back out into open play is a concern - got away with it twice against Blackpool. Photo: PinPeP
2. Right-back - Callum Johnson
There's no doubt about it, Johnson's consistency makes him a shoe-in for the right-back position. But with Pompey's wingers currently out of form, there's extra pressure on him to get forward and get more deliveries into the box. We all know he's more than capable. Photo: Joe Pepler
3. Cente back - Jack Whatmough
Whatmough has sat out Pompey's past two games despite being available after serving his three-match ban. Surely a recall is inevitable after the way the Blues conceded goals in those two games, He is after all Pompey's best centre-back. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Centre-back - Rasmus Nicolaisen
The Dane would be a surprise inclusion alongside Whatmough given how highly-rated Sean Raggett is at Fratton Park. Yet Raggett's past two performances suggest he needs time out of the team. Nicolaisen has proven in recent weeks he's more than capable of stepping in. Was probably Pompey's best player against Blackpool. Photo: Graham Hunt