Rochdale v Oldham preview

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Tope Obadeyi is set to make his second Rochdale debut.

Obadeyi enjoyed a previous spell on loan at Spotland in 2010 and the striker has rejoined for an initial month from Bolton.

Another new signing who could be involved is defender Phil Edwards after the 26-year-old joined on loan from Stevenage until the end of the season.

Centre-back Kevin Amankwaah (groin) is expected to remain John Coleman’s only major injury absentee ahead of a game the former Accrington manager has described as “must win” with Rochdale languishing at the bottom of League One.

“Without a doubt we’ve got to win,” he told BBC Radio Manchester. “I think you would have to be stupid if you didn’t realise that.

“If we’re going to get out of the predicament we’re in, we’re going to have to win home games. We have to get on a bank of winning games. Lots of teams win at home every week.”

Oldham boss Paul Dickov will wait on the result of Zander Diamond’s scan before deciding whether to name the defender in his squad.

Diamond was substituted 15 minutes into Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss at Stevenage with thigh and hip pain, and Dickov is expected to proceed with caution as similar problems have sidelined the centre-back in recent months.

Keanu Marsh-Brown remains suspended and will miss the next three games after an FA misconduct charge relating to the winger’s actions following his red card against Scunthorpe last week.

The 19-year-old has already missed the matches with Yeovil and Stevenage.

Robbie Simpson has been frustrated in his attempts to return to the Latics attack for Saturday’s derby clash as he continues to struggle with a broken toe.

Captain Dean Furman (knee) remains on the sidelines along with long-term absentees James Wesolowski (shoulder) and Paul Black (hamstring).

Rochdale v Oldham preview

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Rochdale boss Keith Hill has no injury or suspension concerns ahead of the clash with derby rivals Oldham.

Hill has handed a starting role to on-loan Scunthorpe striker Bobby Grant during the past two matches.

The 20-year-old, who can also play on the wing, could again retain his place for the eagerly-awaited encounter with Paul Dickov’s side.

After five matches without a victory, Hill is demanding his men step up a level.

He said: “I’m looking now at 20 points from the next 15 games and if we get that kind of haul every 15 games then that should see us safe, which ultimately is what we are out to achieve.

“Trying to keep the boys’ confidence levels high is not easy when we are performing well but not getting results.”

Oldham have bolstered their squad after Preston defender Neal Trotman rejoined the club on loan until January 3.

Trotman moved to North End from Oldham in January 2008 but was placed on the transfer list by Deepdale boss Darren Ferguson in the summer.

He will come into contention for the derby clash with Keith Hill’s side but Latics left-back Joe Jacobson has joined Accrington on loan, also until January 3.

Right-back Kieran Lee has missed the last two matches through injury and will be assessed.

Portuguese winger Filipe Morais, who is in talks with Oldham about extending his stay until the end of the season, completes a three-match ban.