The young City midfielder Michael Johnson, who committed his long-term future to the club last week by signing a new five-year deal, was ruled out of the midweek UEFA Cup win at Omonia Nicosia because he is struggling with a groin injury.
Left winger Martin Petrov remains out with a hamstring injury so Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Elano should all feature in midfield.
Brazilian striker Jo will be hoping to get his first goal at the City of Manchester Stadium after opening his City account with a brace in Cyprus on his fifth start for the Blues.
"Scoring's always key," manager Mark Hughes told the City website. "He's still a young man, but he has a great future ahead of him.
"When you arrive at a new club you want to settle quickly, you want to score your first goal and sometimes you can a little anxious.
"I think that was the case with Jo, he was so keen to get the first one and he was not helped by the surface with that first one.
"Once he scored, he was fine, he worked really hard for the team and put in a big effort. I'm really pleased that he was able to get on the scoresheet twice.
"It's been a quick turn-around," Hughes added. "We stayed in Cyprus to get all the recovery done before flying back to Manchester on Friday, and I hope that helps us with regard to Portsmouth.
"They are a good side again this year and they have to travel for an away Premier League game on the back of a UEFA Cup tie on Thursday as well, but we'll be prepared."
Pompey arrive in good form having won 3-0 at Everton in their last away game before beating Middlesbrough 2-1 at home and Vitoria Guimaraes 2-0 in the UEFA Cup in midweek.