Kenny Jackett has always stressed that he will be able to make a fair assessment of his squad by the end of September.
And with six matches still to play this month, there is plenty of time for players to make an impression.
The first of three in a week is a relatively short trip up the A3 to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Pompey had to run a ticket ballot, such was the demand for this fixture and Jackett hopes the travelling fans will be rewarded.
But he knows it will not be easy against a Dons side who have enjoyed a remarkable rise up the divisions in recent years.
The Blues boss said: “It’s a fantastic story and I remember watching the play-off final against Plymouth that saw them get into this division.
“They’ve established themselves in League One after going up, but we’ll take great support there and we’re all really keen to put on a performance they can be proud of.
"It’s a great opportunity for us to get some points and build some confidence."
“It’s a tight ground and it’s not too far away, so there should be a really good atmosphere on Saturday.
“We’ve got three games coming in up in eight days. It’s a great opportunity for us to get some points and build some confidence.
“But nobody’s going to hand that to you – we have to work hard enough to earn those rewards that we all want.
“It’s good that the games are coming thick and fast because it gives our players the chance to settle into a rhythm.”
It was all calm at the training ground when the manager spoke to the assembled media – a far cry from the hectic scenes witnessed the previous Thursday.
Jackett said: “There were a lot of changes on deadline day, with four players going out and four more coming in.
“We had an older team last season and I wanted to drop the age down a bit, but I also think we’ve got a capable squad.
“It’s quite nice to put a ring around it now. We are where we are and this group can concentrate on moving Pompey up the table.”
Gareth Evans is available for Pompey following his one-match suspension and the squad is close to a full bill of health.
Jackett said: “Drew Talbot’s fit and has been training all week, but Jack Whatmough’s a doubt after hurting his knee slightly and Milan Lalkovic will be out after having an injection on his Achilles.
“We were pleased to be able to add Nathan Thompson to the group last week and he did himself no harm with his performance from the bench.”