Blackburn's trip to Fratton Park pits two sides with genuine aspirations for silverware this season.
Hughes takes in-form Rovers to the South Coast
Portsmouth versus Blackburn at Fratton Park pits together two sides who are determined to prove themselves the 'best of the rest' this season.
The traditional 'top four' will likely remain the same come the campaign's close, but given Tottenham's current malaise, the likes of Pompey and Rovers will feel good seasons are in the offing.
And the Carling Cup could prove to be a realistic avenue for trophies, as Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp both eye long runs in the competition.
With this in mind Wednesday's clash should see both managers pick strong sides, as Blackburn look to earn a seventh consecutive win.
Strong sides
Rovers' fine victory at Spurs at the weekend was tempered by the knee injury suffered by Robbie Savage; a setback which will see Aaron Mokoena come in.
Matt Derbyshire is eager for playing time having impressed off the bench in recent weeks but Hughes may favour the old adage 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' in sticking with Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy in attack.
Steven Reid and Jason Roberts remain sidelined with injury.
Portsmouth too have enjoyed an excellent start to the season as they sit contented in seventh place and it seems likely Redknapp will not make wholesale changes either.
Sulley Muntari (hamstring) and Hermann Hreidarsson (foot) are doubts but otherwise, Redknapp has a decent looking squad to choose from.
David Nugent and Kanu are both ready to return but both will likely have to content themselves with a place on the bench.
