It is a humdinger of a contest to start the final month of the League One campaign.
The top two meet at Fratton Park this evening, with Pompey and Derby each trying to boost their promotion credentials in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
John Mousinho understands exactly why it is a fixture that has generated plenty of excitement in both camps.
He will be approaching it as he would any other match, though, as his side continue on their quest to secure Championship football.
The Blues boss said: “It’s something that’s been at the back of everyone’s mind – and probably the forefront over the past few weeks – since I arrived at the club.
“There’s been that pressure and expectation to be competing at the top of the league and we’ve managed that.
“We need to keep our feet on the ground and approach each test as just another game, with the opportunity to collect another three points.
“But it’s also useful to have a bit of excitement, while not getting carried away, to increase those inspiration levels.
"We need to keep our feet on the ground and approach each test as just another game, with the opportunity to collect another three points."
“Everything about this next match sets it up to be a brilliant occasion and Derby are in some really good form.
“All games feel like the biggest one of the season at the moment, although there’s added intensity with this one. It’s first versus second, it’s under the lights and it’s live on Sky Sports.
“Our opponents have a side that’s littered with Championship quality and a head coach with experience of getting out of this league, so we expect another tough test.”
Mousinho revealed that he needs to make some late decisions when picking his team to face the Rams.
He said: “There are a couple of players who are 50-50 after the Wycombe game, but nothing we want to name at the moment for obvious reasons.
“We’re looking more towards the Bolton fixture for Callum Lang because it’s going a bit slower than we initially hoped.
“Tom Lowery has trained over the past few days, although I think Tuesday comes too soon, while we had Tino Anjorin available on Friday, but didn’t want to risk him.
“Injuries are part of the game and you try to minimise them, but at the same time, I want my players to sprint, go into tackles and be fully committed.”
Tickets have sold out, but the ticket exchange remains open until midday, so keep checking to see if any seats become available.
