Pompey have been warned they will face one of many sides fighting for League One survival when they host Rochdale at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Dale are in the thick of a group of 11 teams separated by only six points - any of whom could drop into League Two if they don't pick up results in the final few games.

But Pompey boss Kenny Jackett, though wary of Rochdale's threat, wants his team to impose their authority on the game as they should always look to do at home.

Jackett told www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'The new (Rochdale) manager has done very well and achieved both good results and performances. We never look at any game as being easy and know that every point we collect is hard-earned — we showed that last week.

'Rochdale are fighting for their lives down at the bottle and will do everything they can to maintain their League One status. But we should have confidence and I’m sure our attitude, endeavour and quality will encourage our passionate fans.'

Also looking forward to the latest of test of Pompey's hopes is Gareth Evans, set to start again in a front four. He told the club site: 'I love the run-in to the season — it’s an exciting time and hopefully we’ll get what we want at the end of it.

'It’s a bit boring to say, but we just have to concentrate on ourselves and try to win the games that lie ahead. I’ve always wanted to test myself at Championship level. I’ve never really lost belief that I can do that.

'We felt a little bit down after the Charlton game and perhaps there were a few people thinking the opportunity for automatic promotion had gone. But fast forward a few weeks and we find ourselves with a real chance now — hopefully it’s one we can take.

'It’s persistence more than anything. We’ve kept trying to do the right things and that hard work seems to be paying off.'

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