Rochdale vs Portsmouth Predictions

Rochdale will be hoping to improve their rather unappealing league position when they host Portsmouth at Spotland Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The visitors go in search of a place in the top half of the table, which they’re now just two points off following no defeat and three wins in their last five.

When they win three on the bounce back in October, Rochdale appeared to have turned a corner, though they’ve been unable to maintain such a pace. In fact, they’ve gone in the complete opposition direction, losing each of their last four league matches. Manager Brian Barry-Murphy will be hoping that Rochdale’s recent FA Cup victory sparks improved showings in the league.

Somewhat strangely, Rochdale have taken more points on the road than they have at home, where they’ve won two, drawn three and lost four, scoring eight and conceding 11 in the process. Few teams have gone to Spotland and won easily, but because Dale haven’t thrived in terms of goals scored, they’ve struggled to win games.

Fortunately for the hosts, Portsmouth have struggled to get going away from home. Kenny Jackett’s men, who have been on a good run of late, have found it tough to impose themselves on the road, where they’ve scored just six goals. Given that they’ve scored such a low total, it’s not surprising that Pompey have won just one of their seven travelling matches. They are one of only eight teams to concede less than ten travelling goals, though that hasn’t stopped from losing more than they’ve won or drawn, tasting defeat in four out of seven on the road.

For those looking to get financially involved in this fixture, ‘Under 2.5 Goals’ looks a reasonable bet at the prices. Given that neither side has thrived offensively in their respective home and away games, a low-scoring game could easily be shorter in the betting. Rochdale have scored an average of just 0.89 goals at home this term, while Portsmouth have scored an average of just 0.86 on their travels. Moreover, neither side has conceded goals by the bucket load, shipping average of just 1.22 and 1.29.

In the ‘Correct Score’ market, a 1-1 draw stands out as a viable option. Neither side have thrived offensively, but they’ve tended to score the odd goal, while they’ve both conceded exactly once in 50% of their respective home and away matches.