Pompey play Wigan at Fratton Park at the weekend, and Adams will look to recall Defoe and Johnson.
Jermain Defoe was left out of the starting 11 during Pompey's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool during the week, as Adams reverted to a 4-5-1 system, with Defoe making way for Utaka.
With Defoe already being linked to a return to White Hart Lane under former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, it was a risky choice to make, but nearly paid of as it took a Steven Gerrard penalty to down Pompey, but Adams insists Defoe is right behind him.
"Defoe wasn't dropped, of course not," said Adams. "I will make tactical decisions, technical decisions and emotional decisions. This time it was a tactical one.
"I want Jermain to be the top goalscorer for Portsmouth, he will be. I want him to be top scorer in the league and I think he can.
"But against the league leaders I wanted something different. We have been getting smashed up away from home - we lost 3-0 at Braga, 6-0 at Manchester City.
"I felt we needed to be resilient and hard to beat first time out for me. That is why Jermain was rested"
"Jermain took it fine, he is 100% behind me. I have had great support from everybody, but particularly from Defoe."
Although reverting to 4-5-1 wasn't a bad choice, Adams will look to return to 4-4-2 with Defoe and Crouch up front.
Utaka is looking to retain his place in midfield, and it may be Bouba Diop, who's ridiculous handball cost Pompey a point midweek, who makes way for the Nigerian.
Glen Johnson is set to return at right back replacing Noe Pamarot who was brought in for Johnson's replacement after a short injury spell.
Diarra should still be included in the squad despite worries of his knee injury returning.
Sol Campbell shall most likely miss the game with a hamstring problem, so Kaboul will carry on the good work at the back.
Lets hope we can take all three points against Wigan, but Adams will have to wary of on-form loanee Amir Zaki.
Possible starting XI
Portsmouth - James, Johnson, Kaboul, Distin, Belhadj, Diop, Davis, Diarra, Traore, Defoe Crouch
Wigan - Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Kilbane, Heskey, Zaki.
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