Last season’s final has still to be played, but this evening sees Pompey begin a new campaign in the EFL Trophy.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought the previous campaign to a halt before the Blues could face Salford at Wembley, with a new date for that contest still to be arranged.
But Kenny Jackett’s side remain the competition holders, having memorably seen off Sunderland on penalties in 2019.
It is the lower-key scenario of a group contest against Colchester that sees them get underway this term.
As usual at this stage, if the match is all square after 90 minutes, a penalty shoot-out is held to see who claims a bonus point.
The visitors got their season started with a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Reading on Saturday, despite taking the lead through Jevani Brown.
United competed in the fourth tier play-offs at the end of the 2019/20 campaign after finishing fifth, but were beaten over two legs by Exeter.
They have never previously won this competition, although did make the final back in 1997, losing to Carlisle on penalties.
Pompey last faced Colchester during 2016/17 League Two title-wining season, when they won both matches, including a 2-0 success at Fratton Park.
TEAM NEWS
Alex Bass (ankle) is the only injury doubt for Pompey, with Ellis Harrison and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild returning to action in last week’s friendly win at Gosport.
Colchester could hand a debut to striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale following his arrival on a season-long loan from Fulham
Luke Gambin has returned from international duty with Malta, but Luke Norris, Tom Lapslie and Diaz Wright are all injured.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of manager Kenny Jackett ahead of the contest or watch the video below.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 3 wins
Colchester: 5 wins
2 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 2 wins
Colchester: 2 wins
1 draw
OFFICIALS
Referee: Craig Hicks
Assistants: Christopher Wade and Mark Derrien
Fourth Official: Adrian Quelch
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK and Ireland can watch the action live (please note coverage will be provided by a single camera) by purchasing a match pass for £10.
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 6pm.
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 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to secure victory after 90 minutes, while the visitors can be backed at 15/4.
Remember to visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN EFL TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Tonight
Exeter v Forest Green (5.30pm)
Gillingham v Crawley (5.30pm)
Hull v Leicester U21 (5.30pm)
Southend v West Ham U21 (5.30pm)
Mansfield v Manchester City U21 (6pm)
Accrington v Leeds U21
Blackpool v Barrow
Bolton v Crewe
Leyton Orient v Brighton U21
Lincoln v Scunthorpe
MK Dons v Northampton
Newport v Cheltenham
Oxford v Chelsea U21
Peterborough v Burton
Port Vale v Tranmere
Sunderland v Aston Villa U21
Swindon v West Brom U21
Cambridge v Fulham U21 (7.30pm)
Doncaster v Bradford (7.30pm)
Bristol Rovers v Walsall (7.45pm)
Grimsby v Harrogate (7.45pm)
Ipswich v Arsenal U21 (7.45pm)
Morecambe v Rochdale (7.45pm)
Plymouth v Norwich U21 (7.45pm)
Wednesday
Salford v Manchester United U21 (7.45pm)
LAST FRATTON MEETING