WASHINGTON — Donald Trump is taking next week’s presidential debate – a nationally televised town hall forum – seriously enough to prepare, carving out time with governor-turned-debate coach Chris Christie and even conducting a live open-to-press mock town hall in New Hampshire.

Sunday’s town hall marks a key moment for Trump, who saw his nationwide and battleground state poll numbers plummet after the first debate with Hillary Clinton.

A strong performance, the campaign is hoping, could turn around the election and give him the Comeback Kid moniker.

Trump’s prep sessions this time involve Gov. Christie , former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus.

“This is an entirely different debate…I’ve got to tell you, I’m banking on Donald being a lot better at interacting with people than Hillary,” Giuliani told the Washington Post.

But one aide insisted there no mock debates were being held and that no one on staff is playing the role of Hillary Clinton.

Other key members involved in debate preparation are campaign CEO Stephen Bannon and campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.

The Clinton campaign, meanwhile, has been trying to raise expectations for Trump.

“We expect a more focused, more prepared Trump at this debate,” campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters in a Thursday call.

Aside from fundraisers, Clinton will be off the trail until the Sunday town hall. Trump, likewise, is slowing down, but has his public mock town hall Thursday night.

The contest will be held at Washington University in St. Louis and will be moderated by CNN’s Anderson Cooper and ABC’s Martha Raddatz.