Rochdale v Brighton preview

Team news for Saturday afternoon's League One clash between Rochdale and Brighton & Hove Albion at Spotland.

Last Updated: 01/04/11 at 13:23   

El-Abd: Back in contention for Seagulls

El-Abd: Back in contention for Seagulls

Rochdale manager Keith Hill will be reluctant to make any changes.

Dale have won their last four matches without conceding a goal and climbed to the brink of the play-off places in the process.

Tuesday's 2-0 home win over Charlton underlined Dale's pedigree, and Hill has a full-strength squad to choose from for his 200th Football League game in management.

Hill feels all the pressure will be on Gus Poyet's side, saying: "It's the easiest game of the season for us because nobody is expecting us to win.

"Brighton aren't top of the division for nothing, they are an excellent side brimming with excellent players.

"They were always my favourites to get promoted and Gus has done a fantastic job."

Adam El-Abd and Ashley Barnes are back in contention for Brighton.

Defender El-Abd has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but is back in the squad and will vie with Tommy Elphick for his place at centre-half.

Striker Barnes has been sidelined for three matches with an ankle injury but has resumed training this week and will be handed a late fitness test.

Full-back Jim McNulty is still out after ankle surgery and midfielder Jamie Smith remains on the sidelines with a foot injury.

The Seagulls head into April 13 points clear at the top having won all eight of their matches in March to set a post-war club record.

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npower League 1

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Doncaster 46 18 84
2 Bournemth 46 23 83
3 Brentford 46 15 79
4 Yeovil 46 15 77
5 Sheff Utd 46 14 75
6 Swindon 46 33 74
7 Leyton Or 46 7 71
8 MK Dons 46 17 70
9 Walsall 46 7 68
10 Crawley 46 1 68
11 Tranmere 46 10 67
12 Notts Co 46 12 65
13 Crewe 46 -8 64
14 Preston 46 5 59
15 Coventry 46 7 55
16 Shrewsbury 46 -6 55
17 Carlisle 46 -21 55
18 Stevenage 46 -17 54
19 Oldham 46 -13 51
20 Colchester 46 -21 51
21 Scunthorpe 46 -24 48
22 Bury 46 -28 41
23 Hartlepool 46 -28 41
24 Portsmouth 46 -18 32

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

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