Rochdale v Colchester preview

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Rochdale manager Keith Hill could name an unchanged starting line-up once again for the home game against Colchester.

Hill started with the same side that were unlucky to lose at Bristol City last weekend in the midweek win against Crewe and has no major new injury or suspension worries.

Midfielder Stephen Dawson (calf), defender Olly Lancashire (ankle) and striker Calvin Andrew (knee) have missed out in recent weeks and are unlikely to feature.

Goalkeeper Jamie Jones, on loan from Preston, made his home debut on Tuesday night and is expected to continue as Dale chase back-to-back wins at Spotland.

Colchester boss Tony Humes is hoping teenage midfielder Tom Lapslie will be available.

Lapslie has been struggling with an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last two matches, but he was close to returning for the midweek defeat to Notts County and could be in contention.

Defender Matt Briggs recovered from illness to return on Tuesday night, while midfielder Sammy Szmodic shook off the effects of a bruised foot to play 75 minutes and will be monitored.

Humes has no major new selection concerns as the U’s, two points from safety, bid to avoid a third straight league defeat.

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Rochdale v Colchester preview

admin

Rochdale manager Keith Hill could name an unchanged starting line-up once again for the home game against Colchester.

Hill started with the same side that were unlucky to lose at Bristol City last weekend in the midweek win against Crewe and has no major new injury or suspension worries.

Midfielder Stephen Dawson (calf), defender Olly Lancashire (ankle) and striker Calvin Andrew (knee) have missed out in recent weeks and are unlikely to feature.

Goalkeeper Jamie Jones, on loan from Preston, made his home debut on Tuesday night and is expected to continue as Dale chase back-to-back wins at Spotland.

Colchester boss Tony Humes is hoping teenage midfielder Tom Lapslie will be available.

Lapslie has been struggling with an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last two matches, but he was close to returning for the midweek defeat to Notts County and could be in contention.

Defender Matt Briggs recovered from illness to return on Tuesday night, while midfielder Sammy Szmodic shook off the effects of a bruised foot to play 75 minutes and will be monitored.

Humes has no major new selection concerns as the U’s, two points from safety, bid to avoid a third straight league defeat.

Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club – delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts

Rochdale v Colchester preview

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Rochdale winger Simon Hackney will miss the clash against his former club.

Hackney has yet to appear for Dale following his arrival in the summer due to an abdominal muscle injury and, despite returning to training, will not be available against the U’s.

Dale will be without striker David Ball, who has been recalled early by parent club Peterborough, so Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro is expected to partner Ashley Grimes up front.

Akpa Akpro played out wide in last week’s draw at Bournemouth and boss Steve Eyre must decide on who will fill that role against Colchester.

Defender Joe Widdowson is still struggling with shin splints, but Eyre has no new injury or suspension worries as Dale chase back-to-back home league wins.

Pat Baldwin is a doubt for Colchester.

The centre-back has failed to train for the majority of this week having been unable to put on his boot after seeing his big toe stamped on during the first half of last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Yeovil.

Ashley Vincent could make John Ward’s matchday 16 after the winger got 45 minutes under his belt for United’s reserves in midweek as he steps up his recovery from a lengthy absence with a knee injury.

Striker Steven Gillespie pushed his claims for a starting berth having bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 friendly victory over Crawley.

Forward Michail Antonio was due to make the final appearance of his loan deal until Colchester on Thursday extended his stay into a third and final month.

Goalkeeper Mark Cousins, who has missed the club’s last three matches with a shoulder problem, is set to sit out once again.

Rochdale v Colchester preview

admin

Rochdale winger Simon Hackney will miss the clash against his former club.

Hackney has yet to appear for Dale following his arrival in the summer due to an abdominal muscle injury and, despite returning to training, will not be available against the U’s.

Dale will be without striker David Ball, who has been recalled early by parent club Peterborough, so Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro is expected to partner Ashley Grimes up front.

Akpa Akpro played out wide in last week’s draw at Bournemouth and boss Steve Eyre must decide on who will fill that role against Colchester.

Defender Joe Widdowson is still struggling with shin splints, but Eyre has no new injury or suspension worries as Dale chase back-to-back home league wins.

Pat Baldwin is a doubt for Colchester.

The centre-back has failed to train for the majority of this week having been unable to put on his boot after seeing his big toe stamped on during the first half of last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Yeovil.

Ashley Vincent could make John Ward’s matchday 16 after the winger got 45 minutes under his belt for United’s reserves in midweek as he steps up his recovery from a lengthy absence with a knee injury.

Striker Steven Gillespie pushed his claims for a starting berth having bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 friendly victory over Crawley.

Forward Michail Antonio was due to make the final appearance of his loan deal until Colchester on Thursday extended his stay into a third and final month.

Goalkeeper Mark Cousins, who has missed the club’s last three matches with a shoulder problem, is set to sit out once again.