It is the time of year when you struggle to sleep because of all the anticipation, but the big day has finally arrived.
No, forget about Christmas – it’s first versus second in League One as Pompey welcome Bolton to Fratton Park (8pm kick-off).
The magnitude of the occasion can be experienced by the rest of the nation, with the Sky Sports cameras broadcasting the contest live.
John Mousinho’s men briefly relinquished top spot after losing to Blackpool in their last south coast outing, only to return to the summit with victory at Northampton nine days ago.
Their opponents are currently three points behind, but with a better goal difference and are enjoying a fine run of form.
A goalless draw at Oxford in their most recent league fixture is the only time that Wanderers have failed to win in the past 11 matches.
It is a run that as well as seeing them apply pressure on Pompey, has taken Ian Evatt’s side into the third round of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
You have to go all the way back to October 7 to find their last defeat – a 3-1 home reverse against Carlisle.
And Pompey fought from behind to win by the same scoreline in the most recent meeting between the teams back in February, courtesy of Ryley Towler’s brace and a Colby Bishop goal at Fratton Park.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey are missing Tino Anjorin (hamstring), Colby Bishop (ankle), Josh Dockerill (knee), Connor Ogilvie (ankle), Regan Poole (knee) and Anthony Scully (knee).
But Joe Morrell is available again after completing a two-match ban for collecting his second red card of the season against Blackpool.
Bolton are close to having a fully-fit squad to choose from, with George Johnston (knee) and Dan Nlundulu (hamstring) the only absentees.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Sean Raggett ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 37 wins
Bolton: 44 wins
23 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 27 wins
Bolton: 9 wins
15 draws
TICKETS
Seats have almost completely sold out in the home areas of the ground.
If you are coming to the game, click here to read our matchday guide and find out what is happening around the ground.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Paul Howard
Assistants: Robert Hyde and Matthew Smith
Fourth Official: Alan Young
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters based in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 7pm.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will have key updates throughout the game on Twitter and a detailed blog via the match centre.
There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Tuesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not online).
LAST FRATTON MEETING
key moments
Updated at (UK)
Commentary to begin soon
There are currently no key moments to display.
Are you sure you want to delete this event?
Delete Cancel