Oldham v Rochdale preview

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Oldham have concerns over their two most senior goalkeepers ahead of Rochdale’s visit to SportsDirect.com Park.

Blackburn loanee Jake Kean missed Saturday’s victory over Crewe with a knee injury but returned from his parent club on Monday, where Latics staff were assessing the swelling to determine if he could feature 24 hours later.

Teenager Joel Coleman kept a clean sheet in his absence but injured his calf making a save and is highly doubtful – even if the results of his scan on Monday give a positive update – so manager Dean Holden may opt to acquire a goalkeeper on loan ahead of kick-off.

Saturday’s match-winner Conor Wilkinson is unavailable due to being with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s and an injury list which includes Amari Morgan-Smith, Jacob Mellis, George Elokobi and Joseph Mills (all hamstring), as well as Liam Kelly (calf), Dominic Poleon (shoulder) and James Wilson (calf) shows no sign of abating just yet.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill could name an unchanged starting line-up for the third straight game.

Hill has no new selection problems following Saturday’s 3-1 home win against Scunthorpe and could be tempted to stick with a winning formula as Dale bid to climb back into the top six with a third successive victory.

Joe Rafftery is now back in contention following a hamstring injury but may have to be patient, and that leaves only Matty Lund and Calvin Andrew on the sidelines.

Midfielder Lund is ahead of schedule as he recovers from surgery on his shoulder, while striker Andrew is working his way back from a minor knee operation.

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Oldham v Rochdale preview

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Oldham boss Paul Dickov will be without defender Jean-Yves M’voto for the home derby clash with Rochdale.

M’voto was sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Scunthorpe and now serves a one-match ban, with James Tarkowski in line to deputise.

The youngster is back in full training having fractured a toe in pre-season but has yet to play this term.

Forward Reuben Reid was substituted on Tuesday complaining of a tight hamstring but he is expected to be passed fit.

M’voto aside, Dickov should name an unchanged team and midfielder Dean Furman remains sidelined as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn cartilage in his left knee.

Dickov said of his skipper: “We were hoping the best-case scenario was he would be out for eight weeks, but knowing him he will be back before then.”

Rochdale manager Steve Eyre is expected to name an unchanged starting line-up for the clash at local rivals Oldham.

Eyre has no new injury or suspension problems following the goalless draw with Carlisle on Tuesday night, while midfielder Joe Thompson is expected to retain his place in the side after making his first start of the season in place of Jason Kennedy in midweek.

Striker Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro will spearhead Dale’s attack at Boundary Park, with Ashley Grimes looking to add to his three goals in four appearances since his summer switch from Millwall.

Midfielder Mark Twaddle, a free summer signing from Falkirk, is hoping to make his first appearance after waiting patiently on the substitutes’ bench as Eyre’s side chase their first league win of the season.

Oldham v Rochdale preview

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Loan trio Cedric Evina, Aidan White and Neal Trotman could all be playing their last games for Oldham in the derby clash.

All three deals are set to expire after the match, and Evina could be restored to the starting line-up for his final appearance after he was dropped in favour of Filipe Morais in Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Hartlepool.

Ritchie Jones is in contention for a start after completing 25 minutes on his return from injury.

Manager Paul Dickov has no new injury worries to contend with, although he is keen to tighten up at the back.

“We want the boys to learn, but they keep making the same mistakes time and time again which are something we need to address,” said Dickov.

Rochdale could name an unchanged team as they prepare themselves for a derby clash with Oldham.

Dale travel across Lancashire in good spirits following a useful 3-2 win over Tranmere at Spotland.

And manager Keith Hill has no injury or suspension worries to contend with as they eye up their near neighbours.

Winger Joe Thompson will hope Hill freshens his line-up however following his return from a hamstring problem.

Thompson had a 15-minute run out in the defeat of Tranmere as he looks to force his way back into the first team.

Bobby Grant’s 84th-minute goal will also hand the manager a poser after the striker came off the bench to hand Dale their first league win in seven attempts.