Pompey have enjoyed a bright start to the League One campaign, but that takes a back seat this evening.
Danny Cowley’s side make the short trip across to Sussex to face Crawley in their opening group match in the Papa John’s Trophy (7.45pm kick-off).
And if you have a feeling of déjà vu, that is perhaps understandable – this will be the fourth time the sides have met in the competition in the space of just six years.
The Blues have won all three of those previous meetings, including a 1-0 success at Broadfield Stadium en route to winning the silverware in the 2018/19 campaign.
Crawley have been making headlines off the pitch after being taken over by cryptocurrency investors WAGMI United at the end of last term.
They appointed Arsenal U23s coach Kevin Betsy as manager over the summer, but it has been a difficult start to the League Two season.
The Red Devils are still searching for their first win, having taken two points from their opening six matches, including Saturday’s 1-1 draw with bottom side Rochdale.
But they have enjoyed success in the Carabao Cup, stunning top-flight Fulham last week to book a place in round three.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, both sides will collect a point. A penalty shoot-out will then be held, with the winners earning a bonus point.
TEAM NEWS
Danny Cowley is likely to ring the changes and has already revealed that some academy players will be involved in the squad.
It is too early for Jayden Reid to be considered after returning from a hamstring injury, while Louis Thompson (leg) is sidelined.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Reeco Hackett ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 7 wins
Crawley: 1 win
1 draw
On the road
Pompey: 3 wins
Crawley: 0 wins
1 draw
TICKETS
Around 1,000 Pompey have already secured tickets, which can be purchased at Crawley this evening. Click here for full details.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Allison
Assistants: Graham Kane and Adrian Waters
Fourth Official: Leigh Crowhurst
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre.
Domestic iFollow subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham as usual, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the game.
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 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 5/6 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 3/1.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
We are committed to playing our part in ensuring our relationship with VBET is promoted in the right way to our supporters.
That is why VBET has partnered with BettorMind, to provide responsible gambling advice around key betting behaviours.
When it comes to betting, we advise all fans to make use of our dedicated responsible gambling site.
ALSO IN PAPA JOHN’S TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Tonight
AFC Wimbledon v Aston Villa U21
Bolton v Crewe
Burton v Leicester U21
Cambridge v Arsenal U21
Derby v Grimsby
Doncaster v Newcastle U21
Exeter v Newport
Fleetwood v Barrow
Forest Green v Southampton U21
Hartlepool v Harrogate
MK Dons v Cheltenham
Mansfield v Manchester City U21
Morecambe v Everton U21
Plymouth v Bristol Rovers
Shrewsbury v Wolves U21
Swindon v Crystal Palace U21
Walsall v West Ham U21
Wycombe v Tottenham U21
Bradford v Sheffield Wednesday (7.30pm)
Carlisle v Manchester United U21 (7.30pm)
Peterborough v Stevenage (7.30pm)
Port Vale v Stockport (7.30pm)
Salford v Liverpool U21 (7.30pm)
Accrington v Rochdale (7.45pm)
Barnsley v Lincoln (7.45pm)
Ipswich v Northampton (7.45pm)
Oxford v Leyton Orient (7.45pm)
Tomorrow
Charlton v Gillingham
Sutton v Chelsea U21 (7.45pm)
LAST AWAY MEETING