Portsmouth hosted Rochdale in a fixture that was moved to the Friday evening following Portsmouth’s progression in the FA Cup. This tactical analysis will focus on the tactics used by both sides as they aim for a strong finish to their campaigns in EFL League One.
With a tough run of fixtures, Rochdale haven’t won away from home since New Year’s Day whilst Portsmouth were hunting a tenth successive home win at Fratton Park in all competitions. This analysis will focus on Portsmouth as they close in on promotion whilst Rochdale are searching for form to secure another season in EFL League One.
Lineups
Portsmouth made two changes from their win against MK Dons in the week but retained their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. McGeehan comes back into the side in place of Ben Close with the manager opting to play him in a defensive midfield role rather than his more familiar role closer to the offence. McCrorie makes way for Bolton to ease the burden on the fullbacks with a tight run of fixtures.
Rochdale made four changes from their 2-1 loss against Coventry last weekend. Most notably, Wilbraham earns a start following his goal in that fixture whilst Baah and O’Connell are rested following injuries sustained against Coventry. Rochdale lined up in their familiar 4-4-2 diamond formation.
