With first versus second under the lights at Fratton Park, it is little surprise that Sky Sports have chosen this contest to broadcast to the nation.
And both Pompey and Derby will be looking to increase the gap on the chasing pack when they meet at Fratton Park this evening (8pm kick-off).
It is John Mousinho’s men who sit at the summit and holding both a five-point lead and a game in hand over their next opponents.
The Rams are a further three ahead of Bolton – who thrashed Reading on Monday to apply pressure – in third spot.
Both sides are on a good run of form, with a Good Friday win at Wycombe stretching the Blues’ unbeaten run to 13 matches, while County beat Blackpool 1-0.
Paul Warne’s outfit did lose at Northampton 10 days ago, but that is their only defeat in a run of six fixtures that yielded five victories.
They are in their second campaign at this level and missed out on a play-off spot last season after being beaten by Sheffield Wednesday on the final day.
Colby Bishop cancelled out a late James Collins penalty when the spoils were shared at Pride Park back in September, while the most recent Fratton contest ended goalless.
TEAM NEWS
John Mousinho has revealed that a couple of unnamed players will require fitness tests after picking up knocks at Wycombe.
Tom Lowery is back in training following time out with a hamstring injury, but this game likely comes too soon for the midfielder.
Terry Devlin (shoulder), Josh Dockerill (knee), Callum Lang (ankle), Tom McIntyre (ankle), Joe Morrell (knee), Regan Poole (knee), Anthony Scully (ankle) and Alex Robertson (hamstring) are all still out.
Tom Barkhuizen (calf), Max Bird (hamstring), Callum Elder (groin), Craig Forsyth (calf), Dwight Gayle (hamstring), Tyreece John-Jules (hamstring) Ryan Nyambe (quad), Jake Rooney (knee) and Josh Vickers (quad) are all missing for the visitors.
Derby will also be without former Pompey defender Sonny Bradley, who is suspended after being sent off at Northampton.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Connor Ogilvie ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 35 wins
Derby: 42 wins
23 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 25 wins
Derby: 13 wins
14 draws
OFFICIALS
Referee: Will Finnie
Assistants: Michael Webb and David Harrison
Fourth Official: David Rock
TICKETS
Seats have sold out and if you are coming to the game, click here to find out what is happening around the ground ahead of kick-off.
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters based in the UK are able to 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 replays and 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 Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
MEMORABLE MEETING
