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Rochdale hope to welcome back captain Gary Jones after a close season knee operation took longer to heal than expected. The midfielder featured in the midweek reserve win over Man City and should at least make the bench. Three new faces should also feature though Rickie Lambert has departed for Bristol Rovers and Iyseden Christie has rejoined Kidderminster. Morike Sako, a French striker, is likely to get a debut after two goals in the reserves, while teenage Blackburn striker Keith Barker and defender James Sharp are also expected to be in the named 16.
The Bulls will be missing striker Stuart Fleetwood because of international duty. He is likely to be replaced in the starting lineup with Andy Williams. Luke Webb is available for contention for the first time after signing non-contract terms, though keeper Wayne Brown remains sidelined through injury.
Best Match Odds: Rochdale 6/4, Draw 9/4, Bulls 7/4.
