Portsmouth v Rochdale: team news, likely line-ups, form guide and big-match odds

Danny Cowley is aiming for a third successive win as Blues boss since taking the hot seat.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game (3pm kick-off).

Pompey team news

Danny Cowley has a well-documented striker crisis on his hands.

John Marquis is suspended for the next three games after being sent off at Shrewsbury last week, while Ellis Harrison and Jordy Hiwula are unlikely to feature in League One again this season.

That means Ronan Curtis is likely to operate as a makeshift striker, having missed the win at the Shrews due to international duty.

There could also be a place on the bench for teenager Alfie Stanley given Pompey’s lack of forward options.

Ben Close should also keep his starting spot after a man-of-the-match display last weekend.

Predicted starting XI

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown, Marcus Harness, Ben Close, Tom Naylor, Michael Jacobs, Ryan Williams, Ronan Curtis. Subs: Lewis Ward, James Bolton, Charlie Daniels, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Andy Cannon, George Byers, Alfie Stanley.

Rochdale injury news

Jimmy Ryan has returned to training following a long-term absence.

The midfielder’s been sidelined with a knee injury since December but the Dale are erring on the side of caution and he may not be involved at Fratton Park.

Stephen Humphrys has been ruled out of action for the next few weeks after limping off against Peterborough last week.

Twelve-goal top scorer Matty Lund is also big doubt having not played since February 20.

Rochdale will welcome back Man City loanee Gavin Bazuna after the keeper made his Republic of Ireland senior debut during the international break.

Predicted line-up

Gavin Bazunu, Eoghan O’Connell, Paul McShane, Gabriel Osho, Jimmy Keohane, Matty Done, Ollie Rathbone, Conor Shaughnessy, Conor Grant, Jake Beesley, Kwadwo Baah.Substitutes: Jay Lynch, Jim McNulty, Stephen Dooley, Hayden Roberts, Alex Newby, Aaron Morle, Jake Vale.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 11/20

1-0 11/2, 2-0 6/1, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 10/1, 3-1 12/1, 3-2 25/1

Rochdale: 5/1

1-0 14/1, 2-0 28/1, 2-1 16/1, 3-0 66/1, 3-1 40/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw: 3/1

0-0 10/1, 1-1 13/2, 2 -2 16/1, 3-3 50/1

Referee

Brett Huxtable (Devon

Pompey stats

League position: 5th

Top scorer: John Marquis (16)

Top assists: Marcus Harness (9)

Most appearances: Tom Naylor and Sean Raggett (43)

Rochdale stats

League position: 24th

Top scorer: Matty Lund (12)

Top assists: Aaron Morley (6)

Most appearances: Aaron Morley (42)

Form guide (all competitions)

Pompey: P47 W23 D7 L17

Past five games

W 2-1 Shrewsbury (A) – League One

W 2-1 Ipswich (H) – League One

L 1-0 Peterborough (A) – League One

L 4-2 (penalties) Salford (N) – EFL Trophy final

L 2-0 Sunderland (H) – League One

Rochdale: P42 W9 D12 L21

Past five games

D 3-3 Peterborough (H) – League One

W 2-1 Lincoln (A) – League One

L 2-0 Shrewsbury (H) – League One

L 2-0 Sunderland (A) – League One

L 2-0 Hull (A) – League One

Other fixtures

Today (all 3pm kick-offs unless stated)

Doncaster v Charlton (12.30pm), Accrington v Burton, Crewe v Hull, Fleetwood v Peterborough, Ipswich v Bristol Rovers, Northampton v Shrewsbury, Plymouth v AFC Wimbledon, Sunderland v Oxford, Swindon v Blackpool.