Pompey get their Checkatrade Trophy campaign underway at Fratton Park this evening against a Fulham under-21 side (7.45pm kick-off).
It is the first fixture of the group stage, with another home match against Crawley and a trip to Charlton following.
Three points are up for grabs for the winners, while if it finishes all square both teams will collect a point before a penalty shoot-out is held for a bonus one.
The young Cottagers did not take part in the competition last season, but their category one academy status means they were invited to participate this term.
Pompey will be aiming to progress further than the 2016/17 campaign, when they failed to reach the knockout stages.
A 4-3 defeat at Yeovil was followed by a draw with Reading (with the Royals claiming the bonus point) and a narrow victory over Bristol Rovers.
Fulham’s youngsters compete in the second tier of Premier League 2 and missed out on promotion last term after losing to Newcastle in the play-offs.
The Londoners have not visited Fratton Park for eight years, with Bobby Zamora’s goal enough to secure them a top-flight victory in August 2009.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are still without Matt Clarke (groin) and Milan Lalkovic (ankle), while Tareiq Holmes-Dennis’ knee injury is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Jamal Lowe’s suspension does not include the Checkatrade Trophy, so he is available to feature.
Competition rules mean that the Blues must field four ‘qualifying players’, which includes those who start the previous or following match, or have made at least 40 first team starts.
As an ‘invited’ club, the visitors’ side has to include at least six players who are under the age of 21.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett and Ben Close have to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below pre-match videos.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 23 wins
Fulham: 14 wins
18 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 12 wins
Fulham: 6 wins
9 draws
*Games against Fulham’s first team
TICKETS
Tickets can be bought online here and will be available tonight from the Frogmore Road ticket office. Click here for a list of prices.
Please note that only the South Upper and Family Section are open for home supporters, while seating is unreserved.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic and overseas iFollow subscribers can listen to live coverage of the game by signing in to their account and visiting the match centre.
Please note that there is no live video stream for overseas subscribers, as that feature is only available for league matches.
Click here for more information about subscribing to iFollow and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
Fans are reminded that there was an update to the app last week to fix several bugs and some users might need to do a manual update.
We will also have match updates on Twitter and via the match centre.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Thursday.
Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent, while The News will also have extensive coverage.
BETTING
Pompey are 8/13 favourites with Sky Bet to collect all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 18/5.
Click here to read our full betting guide and sign-up at www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers and promotions.
POMPEY’S OTHER CHECKATRADE TROPHY GAMES
Tuesday, October 3: Crawley (H)
Tuesday, November 7: Charlton (A)
LAST CHECKATRADE TROPHY APPEARANCE