Pompey put their League One hopes to one side this evening, as they turn their attention to the Carabao Cup.
Kenny Jackett’s side are hosting Championship opposition in Birmingham and trying to reach the second round for the first time since 2015.
They were beaten on home soil by AFC Wimbledon at this stage last year, which came off the back of defeats to Cardiff and Coventry in each of the previous two seasons.
The visitors also made an early exit 12 months ago, as they were knocked out by fellow second tier side Reading.
Birmingham won the competition back in 2011, when they shocked Arsenal at Wembley to lift the trophy for a second time.
And they got off to a good start in the league this term, with Kristian Pedersen’s early goal enough to secure all three points at Brentford on Saturday.
The sides have never previously met in the EFL Cup, although Pompey did win an FA Cup contest on their way to the final in 2010.
Chris Maguire, David Norris, Kelvin Etuhu and Mark Futacs were all on target in a 4-1 victory for the Blues when they last clashed with Birmingham in a Championship fixture in 2012.
Should tonight’s tie finish all square after 90 minutes, it will go straight to penalties, with no extra-time.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are set to play a strong side, although will be without the suspended Ross McCrorie following the midfielder’s red card at Shrewsbury.
Sean Raggett is available again following an elbow injury, but James Bolton (ankle), Bryn Morris (groin), Jack Whatmough (knee) and Ryan Williams (quad) are all missing.
Maikel Kieftenbeld has been sidelined for Birmingham since April with a knee problem, while Cheick Keita (hamstring) is also a doubt.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ben Close or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 29 wins
Birmingham: 42 wins
25 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 18 wins
Birmingham: 12 wins
16 draws
TICKETS
Supporters can secure their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. From 5pm this evening, they can also be bought from the Frogmore Road ticket office.
Due to the match being televised live on Sky Sports, there will be fewer than 100 car parking spaces available for fans behind the North Stand. These are priced £10 each and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The Victory Bar will be open to fans from 5.30pm this evening.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Neil Hair
Assistants: Bhupinder Gill and Leigh Crowhurst
Fourth Official: Antony Coggins
MATCH COVERAGE
iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm this evening.
The game has been selected for live television coverage, so there will be no video on iFollow for overseas subscribers.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football, while overseas supporters should check their local listings.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 5/4 favourites with Sky Bet to win inside 90 minutes, while the visitors can be backed at 15/8.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN CARABAO CUP ROUND ONE
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
August 13
Accrington v Sunderland
AFC Wimbledon v MK Dons
Barnsley v Carlisle
Blackburn v Oldham
Blackpool v Macclesfield
Bradford v Preston
Brentford v Cambridge
Bristol Rovers v Cheltenham
Charlton v Forest Green
Colchester v Swindon
Coventry v Exeter
Gillingham v Newport
Grimsby v Doncaster
Huddersfield v Lincoln
Luton v Ipswich
Mansfield v Morecambe
Middlesbrough v Crewe
Nottingham Forest v Fleetwood
Oxford v Peterborough
Plymouth v Leyton Orient
Port Vale v Burton
QPR v Bristol City
Rochdale v Bolton
Salford v Leeds
Scunthorpe v Derby
Sheffield Wednesday v Bury
Shrewsbury v Rotherham
Stevenage v Southend
Swansea v Northampton
Tranmere v Hull
Walsall v Crawley
Wigan v Stoke
Wycombe v Reading
West Brom v Millwall (8pm)
LAST MEETING
🎥 #Pompey's last meeting with @BCFC at Fratton Park back in 2012 didn't go too badly...
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) June 20, 2019
Maguire ⚽️@DMNorris19 ⚽️
Etuhu ⚽️
Futács ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/iiMUobMRyO