Pompey can take a giant step towards the knockout stages by beating Norwich U21s in the Leasing.com Trophy on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).
Victory would not guarantee a top-two finish in Southern Group B, but it would certainly leave Kenny Jackett’s side as front runners.
They won their opening match against Crawley just 11 days earlier, with Brett Pitman’s neat finish enough to separate the sides.
The young Canaries were in action at Oxford on the same night and took the lead through Shae Hutchinson.
But goals from Cameron Brannagan and Shandon Baptiste saw the League One side snatch all three points.
The Norfolk outfit last entered this competition during the 2016/17 campaign and topped their group before losing to Swansea’s under-21s in the second round.
Norwich were celebrating the last time they visited Fratton Park, with a 1-0 victory in May 2011 enough to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Fans are remined that a penalty shoot-out will be held in the event of Saturday’s game finishing all square, with the winners earning a bonus point.
TEAM NEWS
Kenny Jackett is likely to make a number of changes, promising to field several youngsters and fringe players.
Oli Hawkins and Ryan Williams are likely to be involved for the first time this season after returning to full fitness.
Lee Brown (Achilles), Marcus Harness (thigh), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are all missing for the hosts.
As an invited club, Norwich’s side must include at least six under-21s and no more than two overage players with 40 or more senior appearances.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ellis Harrison or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 21 wins
Norwich: 23 wins
15 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 13 wins
Norwich: 10 wins
6 draws
*Against Norwich’s first team
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure their seat online here or from the Anson Road ticket office.
Tickets can also be bought from both ticket offices from 9am on Saturday, but please note that only the Fratton End and South Upper are open for this game.
Fans can visit the Victory Lounge from 10am on Saturday, with bacon and sausage baps/baguettes available to buy.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Brett Huxtable
Assistants: Christopher Kidd and Gregory Read
Fourth Official: James Durkin
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 Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 12pm.
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 Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
SATURDAY’S LEAGUE ONE FIXTURES
All games kick-off at 3pm
Accrington v Sunderland
AFC Wimbledon v Shrewsbury
Blackpool v MK Dons
Burton v Coventry
Gillingham v Wycombe
Ipswich v Doncaster
Lincoln v Bristol Rovers
Oxford v Tranmere
Peterborough v Rochdale
Rotherham v Bolton
Southend v Fleetwood
LAST MEETING