The south-coast derby is approaching, and anticipation is growing as Pompey prepares to enter enemy territory.
Odin Bailey promised the Fratton Faithful that Pompey’s dressing room understands what’s at stake in the south-coast derby.

And the Blues midfielder promised that John Mousinho’s new-look squad will be out to deliver ‘bragging rights’ on a’massive’ occasion against Southampton on October 11.

Pompey midfielder: ‘You have to grasp what’s on the line’

Pompey and their rivals from up the M27 will face again after the international break, and the match is expected to be feisty once more.

Pompey has not been in a higher tier than its opponents in 16 years, having slipped out of the Premier League during the 2009-10 season.

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However, Southampton has not beaten the Blues in league competition in 21 years, with two divisions separating the clubs in their 4-0 Carabao Cup victory seven years ago.

Pompey will hope to extend that run with a positive outcome following a hectic summer in which 11 players were signed.

Odin Bailey is among them, as the newcomers experience the moment for the first time, with the midfielder promising they understand what’s at stake.

He stated, ‘I’ve seen the game previously on television.

‘It’s difficult to get a real sense of it from a TV screen, but I’m really looking forward to it.

‘I’m going to take in the atmosphere as much as possible and enjoy every moment of it.

“That’s what it’s ultimately for.” You play football to have fun moments like that.

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‘You must grasp what is at stake while simultaneously remaining focused on the task at hand.

‘We want to finish with three points because we know it will be huge for everyone.

‘It’s bragging rights and everything that comes with it.

Even we, the players, desire those bragging rights.

Bailey picked up some additional minutes last weekend against Blackburn and is looking to increase to that amount, as he revealed how different Pompey players will approach the game.

He went on to say, “It’s going to be a huge game, but for us as players, we need to treat it like any other game while keeping in mind what’s on the line – then go out and show how much we want it.”

‘Each player is different.

‘For me, personally, I prefer to find a sweet spot that is neither too high nor too low – someplace in between.

‘Some players are different and charge themselves up, while others are more easygoing.

“It varies from person to person, but I try to strike a balance between high energy and mental calmness.”