But boss still looking to beat Rovers
Paul Cook is fully focused on trying to collect three league points against Mansfield this weekend.
That will be reflected by the side he selects for Tuesday evening’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Bristol Rovers at Fratton Park.
A number of players will be given an opportunity to impress in the final group stage fixture.
But Cook insists that the hosts will still be doing all they can to secure victory and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
The Blues boss said: “Our fans know how we’re going to approach it and that our most important game this week is against Mansfield on Saturday.
“But we’ll treat the Bristol Rovers match in a professional manner and do everything we can to win it.
“If we do that then we might still go through and if that’s the case, then great. But our big challenge is to be better than we were last season in the league.
“I’m aware we’ve lost three home games on the bounce, but that won’t change the fact that Saturday is at the forefront of our minds.
Qualification is out of Pompey’s hands after they collected just a single point from their opening two fixtures.
Cook said: “We feel that the teams we’ve put out in the competition could perhaps have achieved better results.
“The game at Yeovil was an entertaining one and it was littered with chances at both ends of the pitch.
“I also enjoyed the match against an excellent Reading side and they’ve both provided an excellent opportunity for other lads to play.
“But the Trophy's had some bad publicity and I think everyone has to come together and agree what the benefits are.”
Watch Cook's thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match content.
“But the Trophy's had some bad publicity and I think everyone has to come together and agree what the benefits are.”
Watch Cook's thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match content.