Pompey and West Ham U21s have already made sure of their place in the last 32 of the Papa John’s Trophy.
But top spot in Southern Group A is still up for grabs when the teams meet at Fratton Park this evening (7pm kick-off).
Whoever secures victory – or a penalty shoot-out bonus point – will enjoy home advantage in the next stage of the competition.
Both sides have already seen off Colchester and Essex, with the two Essex outfits also facing off tonight to avoid the wooden spoon.
Kenny Jackett’s men are, of course, the trophy holders, having beaten Sunderland on penalties on a dramatic day at Wembley in March 2019.
They also made the final of last season’s competition and are still waiting to discover a new date for that postponed clash with Salford.
Their next opponents did not make it out of their group in 2019/20, with Dmitri Halajko’s youngsters bowing out on goal difference.
The two clubs have never previously met in the EFL Trophy and last clashed in the Championship, with the Hammers narrowly winning both encounters during the 2011/12 campaign.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are set to field a young side, with third year scholars Harry Kavanagh, Alfie Stanley and Eoin Teggart among those who could feature.
Jordy Hiwula could also make his full debut, having signed a short-term deal at Fratton Park last month.
The Blues are without the injured quartet of Lee Brown (hamstring), Andy Cannon (groin), Michael Jacobs (knee) and Jack Whatmough (hamstring).
Competition rules state that the visitors must field a side containing at least six players aged 21 or under.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 14 wins
West Ham: 15 wins
6 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 9 wins
West Ham: 7 wins
3 draws
*Games against West Ham's first team
OFFICALS
Referee: Kevin Johnson
Assistants: Adam Ricketts and Gareth Viccars
Fourth Official: Richard Morris
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters can watch the action live (please note coverage will be provided by a single camera) by purchasing a match pass for £10.
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 6pm.
Please note that subscribers based in the UK and Ireland will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
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 9/2.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN EFL TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Tonight
Gillingham v Arsenal U21 (5.30pm)
Cheltenham v Norwich U21 (6pm)
Crewe v Shrewsbury (6pm)
Barrow v Accrington
Burton v Fulham U21
Cambridge v Peterborough
Charlton v Leyton Orient
Colchester v Southend
Crawley v Ipswich
Doncaster v Wolves U21
Forest Green v Swindon
Grimsby v Leicester U21
Harrogate v Hull
Plymouth v Newport
Port Vale v Liverpool U21
Rochdale v Salford
Scunthorpe v Mansfield
Walsall v Oxford
Bradford v Oldham (7.30pm)
Fleetwood v Sunderland (7.45pm)
Wednesday
Tranmere v Wigan (6.30pm)
Blackpool v Leeds U21
MK Dons v Southampton U21
PREVIOUSLY IN EFL TROPHY