Pompey finally surrendered their unbeaten League One record with a narrow defeat at Ipswich on Saturday.
But they have an immediate opportunity to get back on track when Aston Villa’s youngsters visit Fratton Park in the Papa Johns Trophy this evening (7.45pm kick-off).
Both sides are searching for their first victory in this season’s competition, with the Blues taking a point from last month’s trip to Crawley.
The Villans, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 at AFC Wimbledon, who currently lead Southern Group B after winning their opening two matches.
They eased through to the knockout stages last year with a 100 per cent record, only to then lose to Charlton.
Tony Carss’ side also compete in the second tier of Premier League 2 and currently sit in seventh position after five games.
Pompey have not played a first team match against Villa since their final season in the top-flight in 2009/10.
The midlands outfit won all three meetings – including a League Cup clash – that term and you have to go back to March 2008 to find the last Blues triumph.
Jermain Defoe and a Nigel Reo-Coker own-goal secured the points at Fratton Park, with each team ending the day with just 10 men.
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 has revealed that he will make plenty of changes, while there are likely to be some academy players named in the squad.
Tom Lowery (hamstring), Joe Rafferty (stomach) and Louis Thompson (leg) are all out, while the game comes to soon for Jayden Reid, who has returned to training following a hamstring injury.
There are also doubts about Jay Mingi because of the shin problem that stopped him coming off the bench at Ipswich on Saturday.
Aston Villa will use their under-21 team for the fixture, although invited clubs can name some overage players.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Reeco Hackett ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 24 wins
Aston Villa: 39 wins
22 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 17 wins
Aston Villa: 13 wins
13 draws
*Games against Aston Villa’s first team
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure tickets in the South Stand online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.
They will also be available from the booth behind the Fratton End this evening.
ADDITIONAL INFO
A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off to remember those who died in the Indonesia stadium tragedy at the weekend, while players will also wear black armbands.
Please note that no programme has been produced for this fixture.
The Victory Bar will be open from 5pm and closes at kick-off. The fanzone will not be in operation this evening, but returns on Saturday.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Alan Young
Assistants: Mark Derrien and Ryan Whitaker
Fourth Official: Lewis Sandoe
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.
ALSO IN PAPA JOHNS TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7pm unless stated
Bristol Rovers v Crystal Palace U21
Exeter v Southampton U21
Gillingham v Brighton U21
Harrogate v Everton U21
MK Dons v West Ham U21
Mansfield v Derby
Tranmere v Leeds U21
Barrow v Manchester United U21 (7.30pm)
Bradford v Leicester U21 (7.30pm)
Colchester v Charlton (7.45pm)
Oxford v Chelsea U21 (7.45pm)
LAST TIME OUT