Rochdale aim to make it four consecutive league wins when they visit Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon. The Dale, currently 11th in League Two on 13 points and just one point off the playoff places in the standings, face a Rovers side one place below them in the table on 12 points.
Their most recent outing was a heavy 5-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy, but their league form has been strong. They have, however, managed only two goals in four away games this season, a statistic they will be desperate to improve. The manager is expected to select from a fully fit squad.
Tranmere are unbeaten at home in the league and have conceded just three goals at Prenton Park. They are, however, without a win in their last four League Two fixtures, drawing three and losing one. The last three meetings between these sides have all ended in draws, including a 2-2 stalemate in the League Cup back in August. Rovers manager Nigel Adkins confirmed his side have no new injury concerns ahead of the match.
Team news and travel
Rochdale are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Sam Waller is set to start in goal behind a back four of Luke Hannant, Sam Sherring, Sam Beckwith and Oliver Adebayo-Rowling. The midfield trio is likely to be Kane Taylor, Ethan Francis and Ian Henderson, supporting a front three of Cian Hayes, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Zak Silcott-Duberry. Hayes and Dieseruvwe have been key to the recent form, contributing several goals and assists according to the club's stats page.
For supporters making the trip, the Rochdale Supporters Trust has confirmed coach travel. "The Rochdale Supporters Trust have now confirmed coach travel to Merseyside, with prices set at £20 for an 11.15am departure," a statement said. A full allocation of 2,006 digital tickets has been secured for the Cowshed Stand, with turnstiles opening 90 minutes before the 3pm kick-off. Fans are reminded that student ID is not accepted for concession tickets, and prices may increase on the day subject to availability. The match is one of several key fixtures for the club this month.
With both teams separated by just a single point, this promises to be a closely-fought contest. Rochdale will be looking to their in-form attackers to improve their away scoring record, while Tranmere will rely on their solid home defence. The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday at Prenton Park.
