Pompey take on Plymouth Argyle in the first round of the CapitalOne Cup tomorrow as the 2012/2013 season kicks off.
Pompey could not be worse prepared for this match as Michael Appleton still hasn't had the time to make any signings, bar goalkeeper Simon Eastwood on a non-contract basis.
That means the Blues manager has just three official players to pick from ahead of the trip to Home Park, with Ashley Harris and Adam Webster being the other two men he has to call upon.
It is likely that more players will be signed before the midday deadline tomorrow but just how many and who is anybody's guess. Because Balram Chainrai hasn't taken over (and will give Appleton a meagre budget to work with when he does) it looks like the travelling fans will get to see the academy players in action.
Given that many of these young lads were defeated by non-league Salisbury on Saturday, it will not be surprising if Pompey are beaten by their League Two counterparts made up of experienced pros tomorrow evening.
However, the match may well take a back seat to the show of support because the Plymouth fans are fund raising for the Pompey Supporters Trust as they know more than anyone what it is like to have a football club go to ruins due to financial mismanagement.
There'll also be a fanfest and collections organised by famous Janner Sue Pollard. It should be a union of two proud South Coast clubs that have been through the mire and summarise the spirit of true football fans.
As for the match itself, there is no point in attempting to even predict our side due to the ridiculous circumstances surrounding the club.
The smart money is on a swift exit from a cup competition that will only hinder Pompey's focus on League One survival. Reportedly there will be £500 donated to the PST for every goal scored, so perhaps our players could just stand there and let Plymouth win 100-0, perhaps!?
Source: FOOTYMAD
