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.
Note: Only those who have played in more than half the games have been included.
1. Tom Naylor - 7.8 average.
Has not failed to impress in these games - in fact, lowest rating is a 7. Scored a 9 out of 10 for his man-of-the-match display against Peterborough - a game he scored in. Photo: JPIMedia
2. Jack Whatmough - 7.6 rating
Missed the game against Lincoln, but has been a standout performer in these battles. Was immense in the games against Sunderland, Peterborough and Ipswich. Scored in the win against Posh. Photo: JPIMedia
3. Andy Cannon - 7.5 average rating
His partnership alongside Tom Naylor in the middle of the park is growing in influence by the game. And alongside the captain, it seems Cannon is certainly up for these battles. Is clearly a big-game player this season. Photo: JPIMedia
4. Ryan Wiliams - 7.5 average rating
His double against Ipswich made him a standout performer at Portman Road - but stats show the winger consistently performs in the big games this season. Photo: JPIMedia