Blues aim to put Rochdale on spot at Spotland
Friday, 28th Sep 2018 18:14 by pompey-fans.com staff

Pompey aim to take their 2018-19 unbeaten league run to a 10th game at Rochdale in the first of back to back away games against mid-table teams.

Kenny Jackett's team lost top spot last week when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Wycombe while rivals Peterborough won at Gillingham, and although the manager is unworried by league positions at this early stage, he will be keen to keep the loss-less record intact at Spotland and the Ricoh Arena.

He expects a tough test at Rochdale, where a late-season run of victories was ended by a 3-3 draw last April.

Jackett hinted at one or two changes to the starting line-up when he told The News: 'I’m clear where I want to start at Rochdale, and I’m pleased with the options I have. Again, it’s what I feel will be the right team to win this particular game.

‘It has to be a squad game if we want to be successful. I’m not expecting people to be happy to be out of the team, but I do expect them to be professional. Like all of us, we’re here to work for the club and get paid to put the club first. Disappointment is one thing, professionalism is what is expect.’

He told the Pompey website Rochdale did well to stay in League One last season, adding: 'It doesn’t make it any easier going there now and every single challenge is a big one for us in this division. My focus is on our own performance and I’m looking forward to some exciting games coming up — starting with Rochdale.'

Dion Donohue and Andre Green are both out but everyone else is available, and Brett Pitman and Jack Whatmough are among those pushing for a starting spot.