Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp plans to field a second-string team against Leeds United in their Carling Cup tie.
Sol Campbell - who has just returned after two games out with the groin injury which also aborted his England return - Kanu, Gary O'Neil and Lauren may all step down while Linvoy Primus, Pedro Mendes and Nico Kranjcar are all unlikely to be fit enough to return.
"It is a chance for one or two fringe players to get a chance," admitted Redknapp, but he will be well aware of Leeds' astonishing start to the season.