The sight of Brett Pitman lifting the EFL Trophy aloft will still be fresh in the minds of the 40,000-plus Pompey fans at Wembley back in March.
And now it all begins again, with Crawley visiting Fratton Park for the first fixture in Southern Group B.
It is the third year in a row that the sides have met in this stage of the competition – and the Blues won both of the previous meetings.
A 3-1 victory in Hampshire in October 2017 was followed by last season’s 1-0 success in West Sussex, courtesy of Dion Donohue’s strike.
There have been only eight competitive meetings between the clubs since their first clash in 2012, with Pompey coming out on top on six occasions.
Crawley currently sit eighth in the embryonic League Two table, as they seek a return to the third tier for the first time since 2015.
They also saw off top-flight Norwich in the Carabao Cup last week to set up a third round clash with Stoke.
Fans are remined that a penalty shoot-out will be held in the event of today’s game finishing all square, with the winners earning a bonus point.
TEAM NEWS
Kenny Jackett is likely to make a number of changes tonight, but has still promised to field a strong side.
Oli Hawkins and Ryan Williams are unlikely to feature after recently returning to full training, while Marcus Harness (thigh), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are injured.
Ronan Curtis (Republic of Ireland), Craig MacGillivray (Scotland) and Ross McCrorie (Scotland U21) are away on international duty.
Defender Joe McNerney (back) is currently sidelined for the visitors, who otherwise have a clean bill of health.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Alex Bass or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 6 wins
Crawley: 1 win
1 draw
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 3 wins
Crawley: 1 win
0 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure their seat online here or from the Anson Road ticket office. From 5.30pm this evening, they can also be bought from the ticket office in Frogmore Road.
Please note that only the Fratton End and South Stand Upper are being used this evening.
The Warrior Bar (far end of the Victory Bar) will be open for supporters to use from 5.30pm.
OFFICIALS
Referee: James Linington
Assistants: Graham Kane and Nigel Lugg
Fourth Official: Lee Collins
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK and Ireland can watch the action live, with commentary, replays and graphics. It is priced £10 for a match pass. Click here for more details.
Domestic subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Alan McLoughlin by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm.
Please note that domestic subscribers will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can also watch the action, with commentary starting from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
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 4/9 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 5/1.
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.
Please note that in-stadium betting is no longer available at Fratton Park.
ALSO IN LEASING.COM TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Tonight
Bolton v Bradford (7pm)
Forest Green v Southampton U21 (7pm)
AFC Wimbledon v Brighton U21 (7.30pm)
Blackpool v Morecambe (7.30pm)
Crewe v Burton (7.30pm)
Northampton v Peterborough (7.30pm)
Accrington v Fleetwood
Coventry v Walsall
Doncaster v Lincoln
Exeter v Cheltenham
Gillingham v Colchester
Grimsby v Scunthorpe
Ipswich v Tottenham U21
Leyton Orient v Southend
Macclesfield v Newcastle U21
Oxford v Norwich U21
Plymouth v Bristol Rovers
Port Vale v Shrewsbury
Salford v Aston Villa U21
Stevenage v MK Dons
Tomorrow
Newport v West Ham U21
LAST MEETING