Farke substituted Gruev for Joe Rothwell in his lineup that were held to a 1-1 scoreline with draw specialists West Bromwich Albion last time out, but on the road, the German may take a more cautious approach.
The Leeds manager is reluctant to play an overtly attacking lineup in away fixtures, prioritising defensive solidity for the most part, which could mean his midfield pairing leaves supporters somewhat disappointed.
However, a starting pair of Gruev and Ao Tanaka did help Leeds deliver victories against promotion contenders Sunderland and Sheffield United recently as Rothwell was deployed from the bench to devastating effect.
Elsewhere in the predicted lineup, Brenden Aaronson's place in the team is up for debate after another display at home to West Brom where the American international failed to score or assist.
Here's how we expect Leeds to start against Pompey.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
Another whose performance dropped below its usual level during the early kick-off but it's still difficult to see Farke preferring Joe Rothwell and Ilia Gruev to the Japan international in the No. 6/8 role. Photo: George Wood
8. RW: Dan James
A deserved winner of the Championship's Player of the Month award for February, Leeds could do with James rediscovering his scoring touch at Elland Road on Wednesday. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
9. LW: Manor Solomon
Calls for Largie Ramazani's recall to the starting lineup have become louder in recent weeks but Solomon probably has enough credit in the bank to maintain his spot in the XI. That said, another blank at home to Millwall could lead to a change at QPR this weekend. | Getty Images
10. AM: Brenden Aaronson
Perhaps the most contentious pick in Farke's starting XI right now, Aaronson's goal contributions have dried up of late and calls for him to be replaced in the No. 10 role by Willy Gnonto have become more vociferous. Farke likes his work-rate, natural stamina and energy off-the-ball which probably keeps him in the lineup, but if there was an alternative out-and-out 10, we might've seen him dropped to the bench by now. | Ben Roberts Photo Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
11. ST: Joel Piroe
The Dutchman's miss at Fratton Park was an incident he won't want to see again but his goalscoring form, particularly at Elland Road, suggests he will find his shooting boots sooner rather than later. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire