Kenny Jackett will run the rule over some of his fringe players in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The competition’s regulations mean that any desire to make wholesale changes must be tempered slightly.
But Jackett believes there is enough flexibility for Wednesday night’s group stage clash with Fulham under-21s to provide a useful exercise.
And he is interested to see how his troops fare against a talented young Cottagers outfit at Fratton Park.
The Blues boss said: “There are certain rules in place, but we will be making a few changes, so I can look at some of the players who haven’t had a chance yet.
“The lads who have been substitutes will get an opportunity to stake their claim for a first team place.
“The purpose of the higher-level clubs entering the competition is so their young players have experience of taking part against older pros.
"The lads who have been substitutes will get an opportunity to stake their claim for a first team place."
“Fulham have a very good youth policy with plenty of talented youngsters and so it should be an interesting fixture for us.
“We’ll respect them as our opponents, but it’s a chance for me to look at a few different combinations and see where certain people are.”
A number of academy graduates have been involved in Pompey’s opening games this season and Jackett has been pleased with their contribution.
He said: “Conor Chaplin’s been much talked about here, but Adam May hasn’t done his chances any harm at all.
“He was a big positive at Oxford, showing a really good range of passing – I think he has a bright future.
“Jack Whatmough and Brandon Haunstrup have come in and done good jobs, while there are more behind them.
“Pompey had to go up last season, but it was an older team and now we have to develop a younger one. There’s a lot of promise for us going forward.”