They’ve also faced Sunderland and Charlton – two teams tipped to be in the running for promotion before the season got under way – with their record in these keys games reading P6 W4 D0 L2.
That’s s decent effort, with 12 points out of a possible 18 secured.
But who has been Pompey’s go-to man or players for the big occasion.
Well, we’ve went through each game and checked our match ratings to assess who’s hot and who’s not so hot when it comes to these crunch clashes.
Here’s what we found…
Note: Only those who have played in more than half the games have been included.
9. Lee Brown - 6.8 average rating
Left-back missed the game at Lincoln - but is a go-to player for manager Kenny Jackett in these games, featuring in five of the six matches played. Is out of tonight's game with a hamstring injury, so no pressure on replacement Cam Pring! Photo: JPIMedia
10. John Marquis - 6.8 average rating
Has paid the price for off days against Doncaster (was a substitute) and Charlton earlier on in season. But has a 7.75 average for the other four games, plus four goals. Photo: JPIMedia
11. Ronan Curtis - 6.3 average rating
It's fair to say that the Irishman is yet to stamp his authority on a game of this magnitude so far this season. However, it means the winger is due one. Tonight would be a good start. Photo: JPIMedia