Portsmouth host Rochdale at fortress Fratton

Photo: Portsmouth FC

Pompey will be looking to pile the pressure on those above them, when Rochdale visit on Friday evening.

Seeing out the victory against MK Dons on Tuesday night meant it’s now six straight home wins for Kenny Jackett’s men, who are starting to gather momentum.

They remain the only side in the EFL this season who are undefeated in the league at home, and this continuing will be critical if they are to challenge for promotion come May.

The home side have scored twice in each of their last five home league encounters, so will feel confident they can extend their winning home form to seven games with Rochdale averaging close to two goals conceded when playing away this season.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s side travel down south hoping to break their run of away form, winless in their last four.

The Dale have beaten Pompey just once in their last eight meetings. That win came back in 2014 when they both were competing in League two and went on to gain automatic promotion to the third tier. Portsmouth finished comfortably in mid-table.

Team News

Portsmouth striker Ellis Harrison is expected back after picking up a dead leg in the 3-2 victory over Exeter in the EFL Trophy semi-final last Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was substituted midway through the first half despite trying to run it off.

Bryn Morris remains the only player unavailable for selection for Jackett. However, he is nearing a return to training after his long term absence.

Meanwhile, Dale defender Eoghan O’Connell is a doubt after tweaking his hamstring in the defeat to Coventry last Saturday. O’Connell was taken off at half time as a precaution but still could miss the trip to Fratton Park.

Despite both teams having very different campaigns this year, manager Kenny Jackett is adamant his team will not underestimate Rochdale:

“Rochdale are a very good footballing side and have some talented players in their squad, but coming to places like Fratton Park makes it a slightly different game.

“We’ll give the players the information we think they need, while concentrating on getting our own performance levels right.

“You always need to win your next game – whoever you are and wherever you are in the league table.

“The top of the table is very close and we’re one of the sides battling for promotion – we want to make the most of the situation we’ve got ourselves into.”