Pressure on Portsmouth - but Michael Jacobs relishing first taste of fiery rivalry with Sunderland

Now the playmaker is relishing his maiden experience of the battle between two League One ‘heavyweights’ again seeking promotion.

The Blues will face the Black Cats for the eighth time in less than two years at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

From a Checkatrade Trophy final in front of a sold-out Wembley to fiery play-off semi-finals, there's always plenty of needle in the meetings.

Both clubs are languishing below where most perceive they should be Football League. Pompey haven’t been in the Championship since 2012 while Sunderland’s eighth-place finish last term was the lowest in their history.

The Black Cats have made an unbeaten start to the campaign, winning four and drawing two of their opening six matches.

In contrast, Pompey have made a stuttering opening, garnering 11 points from seven games, although they impressed in a 2-0 win over Gillingham on Tuesday.

Jacobs bagged his first Blues goals in that victory at Priestfield and is expected to retain his starting berth on Wearside.

The ex-Wigan man’s been impressed by Sunderland’s recruitment over the summer, having signed players like Danny Graham and Bailey Wright.

However, he's confident Kenny Jackett's side can earn a result.

Jacobs said: ‘They have started really well this season. They have a good squad and have brought some good players in – Danny Graham and boys like that.

‘They have recruited really well and it will be a tough place to go.

‘But, ultimately, if we go up there and win then we've taken six points from nine in eight days and you are looking up.

‘It is a big game for us. Losing against Doncaster last weekend puts a bit of pressure on us to try to get a result. If we do, it will be a big bonus.

‘I've tried to keep track of results. I've got a few friends up there, know there is a bit of a rivalry and the results have always been a bit indifferent.

‘It is two heavyweights having a battle, it’s obviously a great stadium up there and it'll be a good game for us.’

Despite the magnitude of the game, Jacobs stressed Pompey will approach it like any other.

He added: ‘It's a bit more of a tighter and neutral division this year, like we have seen in the Premier League and the Championship is going to be similar.

‘Whoever we play, it is important that we try to approach the game in the same manner.

‘It doesn't matter who you’re playing against. It's up to you to do a job for yourself and for the team.’