The action is unrelenting as Pompey continue their quest for League One promotion by hosting Rochdale this evening. It is the second of three Fratton fixtures in six days for Kenny Jackett’s troops, who beat MK Dons on Tuesday night and face Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday. The home faithful know that they would climb up to third spot with a victory, having already reached a season-high position of fifth. Their opponents are more concerned with events at the other end of the table and sit just a couple of places above the drop zone. But there is a relatively healthy gap of seven points separating Rochdale from Tranmere, who are the team just underneath that dreaded dotted line. Brian Barry-Murphy’s men have secured a solitary win from their past seven league games and head south on the back of successive defeats to Sunderland and Coventry. It was Pompey who took the points when the sides met at Spotland back in November, courtesy of Ronan Curtis’ brace and an account-opening goal from Ryan Williams. In fact, the Blues have triumphed in each of the past four clashes, which includes a 4-1 rout at Fratton Park last term. TEAM NEWS Kenny Jackett is hoping to have Ellis Harrison available again, with the striker returning to training after recovering from a dead leg. Andy Cannon made his comeback on Tuesday following a glute problem and will want to keep his spot in the team against his former club. Meanwhile, Bryn Morris is continuing on his path back from a long-term abdominal problem and could soon be taking part in full training. Callum Camps returned from injury in Rochdale’s defeat to Coventry last week, while Ollie Rathbone will be aiming to make his comeback at Fratton Park. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 9 wins Rochdale: 1 win 2 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 4 wins Rochdale: 0 wins 1 draw TICKETS Pompey fans can secure their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. OFFICIALS Referee: Nicholas Kinseley Assistants: Anthony Da Costa and David Benton Fourth Official: Scott Jackson BETTING Pompey are the 2/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors are available at 13/2.
Super result. 6 wins form the last 11 games would give us 77. I am sure that would be more than enough to secure a play-.off place. The way this division is shaping up, a total of around 82 will secure automatic promotion, 6 less than we got last season, albeit with 2 games less.
The plus side is that the goals are being shared around. Of the regular match day squad, only McCrorie's name is missing from the list of outfield players who have scored. Get him to take a penalty v Arsenal.
Another 3 points, a clean sheet for Alex Bass, and up to third in the table. A good day at the office. Steve Seddon changed the game for me when he came on for Lee Brown as a second half substitute. He made the goal for Christian Burgess, and scored a beauty himself - his first Pompey goal.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ........Away Team: Rochdale Possession: Home 48% Away 52% Shots: Home 23 Away 8 Shots on Target: Home 8 Away 3 Corners: Home 6 Away 3 Fouls: Home 7 Away 13
As It Stood:- ........Team ........P GD Pts 1 Rotherham ...33 25 61 2 Coventry ......32 16 61 3 Portsmouth ..33 19 59 4 Wycombe ......33 .7 59 5 Sunderland ...33 19 58 6 Peterborough 33 26 55 7 Fleetwood .....32 12 55 8 Oxford Utd ....33 22 54 9 Ipswich ..........33 13 52 10 Gillingham ...33 .9 50
In a good position now. Has been a funny old season. Really really poor at times and then going on a long runs of wins. Anything can happen really and its nice we're in form towards the end of the season as opposed to doing well up to Christmas and then tailing off.
