SAM Allardyce believes the ability to handle pressure will have a massive bearing on the First Division title race.

With hopes, expectations and nerves all increasing with the Premiership prize looming ever larger, Allardyce expects the team that stays cool will have an advantage on the rest.

He said: "There are teams in every division that peak too soon every year and you have got to guard against it happening to you."

Ipswich Town were in that position for four years before they eventually reached the top flight last season. With Wanderers missing out at the final furlong 12 months ago they are even more determined not be turn it into a habit, statrting at Fratton Park against Portsmouth tonight.

"There is no need to motivate my players at the moment," claimed the manager. "It is about keeping them calm and focused.

Difficult

"The pressure builds from now to the end of the season and it is something that is very difficult to cope with.

"We have left ourselves open for the pressure situation because we have been at the top all season. We have not been out of the top six so we have stayed in the pressure pot area and built people's expectations up."

Allardyce is keen to stamp out the sloppy play of the last two games which he says has not helped them play their natural game.

"If we go about things the way we have in the last two games against QPR and Huddersfield we will pile more pressure on ourselves.

"Just at the moment the opposition is not making it difficult for us, we are making it difficult for ouselves."