Pompey will go head-to-head with Chelsea on Saturday as they ramp up their preparations for their Championship return.
The Blues’ first game back after the international break is an away trip to St Mary’s, where they’ll face fierce-rivals Southampton in the latest south-coast derby.
And to ensure they’re in the best shape possible for the eagerly-awaited game, a behind-closed-doors warm-up game against Xabi Alonso’s side has been arranged, which will also give head coach John Mousinho a great opportunity to assess his options - even with six of his current squad remaining away with their respective countries.
Keshi Anderson will likely play some part as he closes in on a return following three months out with a quad injury.
Meanwhile, the game at Cobham could also determine who starts in goal at Southampton, with Nico Schmid determined to oust Daniel Bielica following his shaky start at Fratton Park.
The match, however, will be equally crucial for Alonso.
He will have watched on in disbelief as his side were crushed 3-0 by Brentford in their last game - just days after drawing at home to Premier League new-boys Hull City.
He’ll also be far from happy with his new-look side’s start to the season. The Stamford Bridge side currently sit 10th in the table with just seven points from their first five games.
With 14 first-teamers, including Emiliano Martinez, Romeo Lavia, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto, currently away on international duty, the game will present Alonso with the opportunity to run his eye over those players who remain.
It will also likely give him the chance to get minutes into the legs of those big-names stars who were unable to link up with their countries for injury-related issues.
Indeed, to highlight the depth of the current Chelsea squad, there’s a host of super-star names who could feature against Pompey, irrespective of those currently away serving their countries.
If Alonso uses the game to get certain members of his squad up to speed for their Premier League return against Bournemouth next Saturday, then Pompey will have their work cut out.
And here’s why, with 12 players who could come under consideration and who ensure Chelsea have one of the most enviable squads in world football.
Chelsea have a host of top-quality players they can still call upon for their behind-closed-doors friendly against Pompey, despite 14 first-teamers currently being on international duty
Chelsea have a host of top-quality players they can still call upon for their behind-closed-doors friendly against Pompey, despite 14 first-teamers currently being on international duty
1. Chelsea have a host of top-quality players they can still call upon for their behind-closed-doors friendly against Pompey, despite 14 first-teamers currently being on international duty
Chelsea have a host of top-quality players they can still call upon for their behind-closed-doors friendly against Pompey, despite 14 first-teamers currently being on international duty | AFP via Getty Images
The 24-year-old pulled out of the England squad amid talk of a muscle injury and Chelsea wanting to manage his work load. The £42.5m signing from Manchester City could be given a run-out against the Blues in an effort to retain his match sharpness ahead of Chelsea's game v Bournemouth next weekend.
The 24-year-old pulled out of the England squad amid talk of a muscle injury and Chelsea wanting to manage his work load. The £42.5m signing from Manchester City could be given a run-out against the Blues in an effort to retain his match sharpness ahead of Chelsea's game v Bournemouth next weekend.
The midfielder, who captained Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League titles, made his Chelsea debut in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford. That was his first game since breaking his wrist following England's World Cup win against Mexico on July 6. He's a player who would benefit from a run-out against Pompey ahead of the Premier League's return.
The midfielder, who captained Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League titles, made his Chelsea debut in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford. That was his first game since breaking his wrist following England's World Cup win against Mexico on July 6. He's a player who would benefit from a run-out against Pompey ahead of the Premier League's return.
The £47m summer signing from Atalanta is yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea due to injury. The Brentford game was earmarked as a potential return date, but it passed without Palestra being involved. Could Pompey now provide him with his first game back?
The £47m summer signing from Atalanta is yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea due to injury. The Brentford game was earmarked as a potential return date, but it passed without Palestra being involved. Could Pompey now provide him with his first game back?