Stoke boss Mark Hughes has urged his players to quickly shake off the cobwebs following the club's slow start to the new season.
The Potters followed up an opening-day defeat at home to Aston Villa with a 1-1 draw against a Hull side on Saturday that played with 10 men for 76 minutes following James Chester's early red card.
On paper, a Capital One Cup second-round tie at the Britannia Stadium against Sky Bet League Two side Portsmouth would appear to represent an ideal opportunity for Hughes' side to kick-start their campaign.
"We didn't hit the levels we thought we would (against Hull), and given the circumstances of the game we felt we could have created more clear-cut chances," said Hughes, whose side only had three shots on goal.
"We're certainly looking for an improvement. It's about dusting ourselves down, getting rid of all the cobwebs that seem to have surrounded us a little bit from pre-season, and getting on with the business in hand, which is winning football matches.
"But it's early days, with a number of guys at different levels in terms of fitness, and what we expect of them.
"I've seen that in a number of teams at the beginning of a season, which is a little bit to do with the World Cup, and people coming back at different times.
"It's understandable to a certain extent, but obviously we want to get up to speed as quickly as we can."
Although two leagues separate the two sides, given Pompey's demise over the years from the days when they were in the Premier League themselves in 2010, Hughes is wary of the danger they pose.
Portsmouth have started the current campaign with a bang, winning their last four matches in which they have only conceded one goal.
"It can be dangerous if we don't approach it in the right way," added Hughes, wary his players may have one eye on Saturday's trip to Manchester City.
"But I've been with the guys in training and I see a determination to get back on track, to get back to where we need to be.
"Our focus will be solely on this game. We'll worry about Manchester City once this game has been put to bed.
"It will be about matching effort and commitment, and providing we do that then our quality will come through."
Hughes has stated he will make changes but insists those who do come in will be senior internationals on the fringes at present.
The Welshmen has confirmed one player who will definitely start, and in so doing will be making his debut, is midfielder Victor Moses following his recent signing on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Hughes has doubts over striker Bojan Krkic (ribs) and defender Phil Bardsley (knee), with both to undergo late checks ahead of the game.
Hughes is definitely without midfielder Stephen Ireland with a rib problem, and although Glenn Whelan has recovered from a foot injury collected in the game at Hull, he may be one of those rested anyway.
Source: PA
