It is arguably the biggest game of the season so far in League One – and one that is certainly deserving of the Sky Sports cameras being present.
The KCOM Stadium hosts a clash between Hull and Pompey this evening (5.30pm kick-off), as the sides sitting first and second respectively in the table lock horns.
Victory for Kenny Jackett’s side would see them rise above their opponents to the summit, although it would not quite guarantee a Christmas number one.
That is because sixth-placed Doncaster are only a couple of points behind the Blues and have a game in hand to be played next Tuesday.
Whether first or second, though, a win for Pompey would certainly ensure a much-needed raising of festive spirits back on the south coast.
Grant McCann’s Tigers finished bottom of the Championship last season, with defeat at Cardiff on the final day condemning them to the drop.
They had been sitting just outside the play-off positions following a win on New Year’s Day, but the final 20 fixtures brought a solitary win.
That run ensured Hull kept plummeting down the standings, with the low point an 8-0 hammering suffered at the hands of Wigan.
But they stopped the rot at the beginning of the current campaign and were enjoying some fine form before the past two matches brought consecutive defeats to Shrewsbury and Blackpool.
Chris Maguire and Joel Ward were on target as Pompey won 2-0 at Fratton Park when the sides last met for a Championship fixture at Fratton Park in 2011.
TEAM NEWS
Lee Brown is the only absentee for Pompey, with the full-back continuing to be sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Hull will be without Alfie Jones (hamstring), Callum Jones (hamstring) and Martin Samuelson (calf), while George Honeyman (hamstring) is a doubt.
Highly-rated teenage forward Keane Lewis-Potter is not expected to feature, as his contract dispute with the Tigers rumbles on.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Cam Pring ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 21 wins
Hull: 13 wins
20 draws
At Hull
Pompey: 8 wins
Hull: 9 wins
9 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Michael Salisbury
Assistants: Shaun Hudson and Philip Dermott
Fourth Official: Tom Nield
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK can watch the contest live on Sky Sports Football. If you are based overseas then please check local listings to see if the game is being shown in your region.
The game cannot be viewed on iFollow, but subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 5pm.
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 updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Saturday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Hull are the 31/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 9/5.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 3pm unless stated
Saturday
Rochdale v Gillingham (1pm)
Accrington v Blackpool
AFC Wimbledon v Crewe
Burton v Doncaster
Fleetwood v Wigan
Northampton v Lincoln
Peterborough v Ipswich
Plymouth v MK Dons
Swindon v Charlton
MAGIC MOMENT