Pompey rung the changes in cup competitions last season.
But Kenny Jackett is not looking to make too many alterations for Tuesday night’s trip to Cardiff in the Carabao Cup.
With Tareiq Holmes-Dennis and Milan Lalkovic joining the injury list and Jamal Lowe starting a three-match ban, that option was closed to him anyway.
Jackett, however, wants his side to do well in the competition and is excited to see them take on higher level opponents.
The Blues boss said: “There won’t be many changes because we’re down to about 18 players already.
"We want to start the season with some winning momentum, so we’re going there in a positive mindset."
“But that means we’ve got a tight-knit squad. Everyone’s close and everyone has got a chance.
“We want to start the season with some winning momentum, so we’re going there in a positive mindset and looking forward to it.
“I know the Championship very well and Cardiff are dark horses to go up this season. They’re a powerful team.
“In this competition it’s the clubs at their level that tend to make the most changes in this round, so it will be interesting to see what they do.
“To predict their line-up is difficult, but they have a good squad and will be capable opponents whoever is picked.”
Brandon Haunstrup is expected to feature after fellow left-back Holmes-Dennis limped off in the first half against Rochdale at the weekend.
Jackett said: “We’ll have to see how things go with Tareiq, but I do have faith in Brandon.
“I wouldn’t like to be caught without a recognised left-back, however, so it’s something we’ll have to look at.”