Pompey will try to maintain their late surge for an automatic promotion spot when they host Rochdale on Saturday. Kenny Jackett’s troops are currently sitting in fourth position and are just three points behind Sunderland in second. The sides both have a game in hand on Barnsley sandwiched between them and play each other later this month. But the Blues also know that victory this weekend would mean they are guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs. Their next opponents are also desperate for points, however, as they try to stave off the threat of relegation. Dale climbed out of the bottom four with a narrow midweek success at Accrington, courtesy of a strike from Ollie Rathbone in the second half. It means that the Spotland outfit have lost just once in six games – winning three of those – since Brian Barry-Murphy replaced Keith Hill as manager. Pompey have already beaten Rochdale twice on the road this term, with a 3-1 league triumph followed by FA Cup progress in the second round. They also came out on top in the most recent Fratton meeting, with Brett Pitman bagging a debut brace on the opening day of last season. TEAM NEWS Andy Cannon appeared for the reserves in a midweek win at Fulham, but is not yet ready for a return to first team action following a thigh injury Dion Donohue (groin) and Viv Solomon-Otabor (calf) are close to full fitness and could feature in another friendly against Bournemouth next Tuesday. Luke McGee (hand) is available for selection and Jack Whatmough (knee) is still sidelined, but there are no new worries. Rekeil Pyke (hamstring) is out for the visitors, but Zach Clough could feature after shaking off an ankle problem. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 7 wins Rochdale: 1 win 2 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 3 wins Rochdale: 0 wins 1 draw BETTING Pompey are the 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 17/4.
Portsmouth 1 up thanks to a header from Ollie Hawkins. Great cross from Jamal Lowe. Edit - that was on 21 minutes
Pompey penalty Pitman makes it 2-0 Penalty to Pompey after Ebanks-Landell slides in on Thompson just inside the box HT
Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey 30s31 seconds ago Rochdale have looked more dangerous since the restart and McNulty's header is saved by MacGillivray (50 mins)
Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey 1m1 minute ago Goal: #Pompey 2 Rochdale 1 (Wilbraham 54)
Rochdale make another sub: Clough for Rathbone (80 mins) And Brett Pitman comes off - Bryn Morris comes on
Tweets please log in to view this image Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey 56s56 seconds ago The game starting to wind down a bit now (87 mins)
please log in to view this image Portsmouth FCVerified account@officialpompey 1m1 minute ago Brown should open his #Pompey account, but glances Lowe's cross wide with the goal gaping (90 mins)
We are in the play-offs. Are Charlton coming in on the blind side if Barnsley, Sunderland and ourselves slip up?
