It is arguably the most attractive Fratton fixture of the season that has been chosen to close the calendar year.
And Pompey will certainly be met with a stern challenge as they welcome high-flying Ipswich to the south coast.
Danny Cowley knows that those inside the ground will be hoping to be provided with some late festive cheer on Thursday evening.
He understands the frustration being felt by many during this run and wants his side to reward them for their backing.
The Blues boss said: “This club means so much to so many and the passion is incredible, so they’re naturally disappointed – and even angry – when things don’t go so well.
“They’re emotions that we’re also feeling inside the building, but hopefully they can see the best in us and get behind us.
“This is a brilliant football club and the best thing about it is, in my opinion, our supporters, so we could do with their help on Thursday.
“We know we’re not far away, but ultimately, you have to do your talking on the pitch with your performances
“We’re playing an Ipswich team who are the best in this division and have the best players, but it’s a great game for us.
"This club means so much to so many and the passion is incredible, so they’re naturally disappointed – and even angry – when things don’t go so well."
“They’ve recruited aggressively to make themselves better and also weaken a lot of their opponents, which is intelligent.
“So we know it’s going to be a tough test, but sometimes it’s these matches that you need and we’ll attack it with everything we’ve got.”
Pompey were without several players through illness for the Boxing Day draw at Exeter and Cowley is hoping the outbreak clears up quickly.
He said: “There are about three different variants within the group and it’s something we’ve got to try to navigate through.
“The ones with head colds are just getting on with it, but we’ve got others who have ulcerated tonsils and they’re suffering a bit more.
“I doubt we’re the only team with these kind of issues at this time of year and we’re just doing our best to keep the healthy players healthy.
“There were issues going into the Exeter game and to be honest, we changed the team around 15 times.
“It did affect preparations a bit. You have to expect this, though, and be ready to adapt and overcome.
“It didn’t help that our coach broke down about half-an-hour outside Exeter on the way home – although some of us could see the funny side of it!
“We’re in a bit of a storm at the moment, but we can see the sun in the distance and are working towards that.”