Pompey travel to Sunderland tomorrow (3pm) with the former Premier League sides meeting for the eighth time in less than two years.
Something of a rivalry has built amid a Checkatrade Trophy final decided by penalties and heated play-off games that have boiled over.
There’s been little to split the two teams, either, with the Blues winning three, the Black Cats two and the other two matches ending as draws.
The Fratton faithful and Mackems alike know their clubs are punching below their weight in the football pyramid.
Pompey haven't been in the Championship since 2012, while Sunderland are into their third season in League One after finishing eighth last term – the lowest in the club’s history.
Nevertheless, both sides are again expected to be challenging for promotion this campaign and there is plenty of quality in Kenny Jackett and Phil Parkinson's respective dressing rooms.
But who makes our combined XI? We've gone for a 4-2-3-1 formation and both sides are well represented. Take a look at who makes the line-up below.
5. Left-back - Lee Brown
Not hugely popular among the Fratton faithful, which might be somewhat of a surprise to Mackems given he's rarely put a foot wrong against Sunderland - especially in the Checkatrade Trophy final. The Black Cats' Denver Hume has a bright future ahead but Brown's experience sees him get into the team. Photo: Joe Pepler
6. Centre-midfield - Grant Leadbitter
The vastly-experienced Sunderland club captain is showing no signs of letting up aged 34. Leadbitter's been one of the Black Cats' star performers in the early stages of the campaign. Also offers a threat from set-pieces. Photo: Malcolm Mackenzie
7. Centre-midfield - Tom Naylor
Pompey's captain could have donned the red and white stripes of Sunderland but chose to move to Fratton Park in June 2018. Always offers endeavour, bite and leadership. Keeps out players such as the Black Cats' Max Power and team-mates Andy Cannon and Ben Close. Photo: Joe Pepler
8. Right-wing - Lynden Gooch
The American has always been highly rated and has registered one goal and two assists so far this season. Earns his spot on the right ahead of Pompey's Ryan Williams. Photo: Jan Kruger