It has been more than a fortnight since Pompey were last in league action, enjoying a comfortable home win over Southend.
So it will be a welcome return to the quest for points when Kenny Jackett takes his side to Spotland on Saturday.
The trip will be a familiar one to away-day regulars, with two successful visits to the north-west location last term.
A 3-1 League One victory was capped by a fine solo effort from Matt Clarke, while Andre Green’s last-gasp strike settled a cagier FA Cup contest a couple of months later.
Pompey then completed the hat-trick on home soil towards the end of the campaign, with a 4-1 triumph.
Rochdale finished 16th last term and were just four points above the drop zone, but it was even closer the previous year, when survival was only secured on the final day.
Supporters will be hoping for a less stressful season this time around and will be relying on the evergreen Ian Henderson.
The 34-year-old – whose celebrates his next birthday in January – has finished as the club’s leading league marksman in each of the past five campaigns and is already into double figures for the current one.
TEAM NEWS
Ellis Harrison is back in contention after missing Pompey’s FA Cup win at Harrogate Town with a bad back.
But the recently-injured trio of Ross McCrorie (hamstring), skipper Tom Naylor (hamstring) and Sean Raggett (adductor) are expected to be out for a couple of weeks.
The Blues will also still be without Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee).
Rochdale are missing Tyler Magloire (groin) and Jim McNulty (back), while Ryan McLaughlin (heel) and Ollie Rathbone (foot) are both doubts.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Ronan Curtis or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 8 wins
Rochdale: 1 win
2 draws
At Spotland
Pompey: 4 wins
Rochdale: 1 win
1 draw
TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure advance tickets until 3pm today (November 22) or buy them at Rochdale on the day of the game. Click here for more details.
OFFICIALS
Referee: James Adcock
Assistants: Declan Ford and Natalie Aspinall
Fourth Official: Paul Newhouse
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 2pm on Saturday.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch the action and commentary will begin from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the 4/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 16/5.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
All games kick-off at 3pm
Accrington v Bolton
AFC Wimbledon v Gillingham
Fleetwood v Tranmere
Ipswich v Blackpool
MK Dons v Rotherham
Peterborough v Burton
Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers
Southend v Oxford
Sunderland v Coventry
Wycombe v Doncaster
LAST AWAY LEAGUE MEETING