Portsmouth v Rochdale - Saturday 5th August, 3pm Kick-Off
Rochdale begin the 2017/18 Sky Bet League One season with a trip to Portsmouth on Saturday.
Keith Hill’s squad was boosted by the return of Matt Done on Thursday, as the 29-year-old signed a two-year deal for a third spell at the Club.
He was Dale’s sixth summer signing, and Hill believes there is “unbelievable competition for places” within the squad.
Portsmouth sealed promotion back to League One in fine style, by winning the League Two title on the final day of last season.
The Manager who secured that promotion, Paul Cook, left for Wigan Athletic in the close season. Pompey acted quickly to bring in Kenny Jacket on a two-year deal, and their fans have responded by selling out Fratton Park for Dale’s visit.
PRE-MATCH
Manager Keith Hill was on pre-match duties. Watch the full interview on iFollow.
Read some of what he had to say HERE.
TICKET INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE there are no tickets available on the day. Tickets must have been purchased in advance from the RAFC Ticket Office. If you do not have a ticket, we urge you not to travel to the game.
PREVIOUS MEETING
The last time Dale faced Portsmouth was in the 2013/14 promotion season. After being beaten 3-0 at Fratton Park in October, Dale were on the right end of a reverse score line at the Crown Oil Arena.
Matthew Lund opened the scoring in the first half, before second half goals from Ian Henderson and Peter Vincenti secured a convincing victory to keep Dale at the top of the League Two table.
WE'VE GOT IT COVERED
Fans living in the UK and Ireland can listen to match audio commentary on iFollow. Supporters living abroad can watch the game live on iFollow. Click HERE to subscribe to iFollow.
We'll have be tweeting live updates from the match.
GETTING THERE
By car: Continue along the M27 eastbound (ignoring the M275 turn off for Portsmouth city centre) on to the A27. At the junction with the A2030 turn right towards Southsea/Fratton. Continue along the A2030 and eventually you will see the ground in front of you.
By rail: Once at Fratton Station, exit via the footbridge and turn left onto Goldsmith Avenue. Continue along for approximately half a mile and Frogmore Road is on your left. Fratton Park is situated at the bottom.
PARKING
Parking is available in the official club car park behind the North Stand, which is accessible via Anson Road – entry is based on a first come, first served basis and costs just £5.
Alternatively, free street parking is available within a 10-15 minute walk of the ground, but please be aware of any matchday parking restrictions.