Rochdale v Rotherham preview

Team news ahead of the New Year's Day clash between Rochdale and Rotherham at Spotland Stadium.

Last Updated: 31/12/12 at 10:21   

Coleman: More of the same

Coleman: More of the same

John Coleman could name an unchanged side as Rochdale chase back-to-back League Two wins for the first time since September.

Dale were in irresistible form at the weekend, completing the scoring before half-time in a 4-2 triumph at Bradford.

Terry Gornell bagged a brace on his return from suspension and is set to continue in attack alongside Bobby Grant and Ashley Grimes, with the latter also getting among the goals to extend a current purple patch to five in four matches.

The entertainment on offer from Rochdale at the moment will still be a slight concern for Coleman, with 19 goals conceded to 17 scored in the past seven matches.

Coleman watched his side come out on the right end of a five-goal thriller against Rotherham earlier this season when they triumphed 3-2 at the New York Stadium in September.

Midfielder Reece Gray is continuing his rehabilitation from a badly-broken leg.

Rotherham striker Daniel Nardiello is expected to return to the starting line-up at Rochdale following his double against Accrington on Saturday.

Nardiello was dropped to the substitutes' bench against Accrington, but was introduced early in the second half and quickly scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season in the Millers' 4-1 win.

Manager Steve Evans said he opted to start with Nardiello and midfielder Ben Pringle on the bench because of their lacklustre displays in the Boxing Day defeat to Port Vale. Pringle was an unused substitute on Saturday.

Skipper Ian Sharps, who has spent the last two games as an unused replacement following his return from suspension, is pushing for a recall.

Midfielders Dale Tonge (ankle/knee), David Noble (ankle) and Lionel Ainsworth (shoulder) are not ready, but hope to appear in a reserve-team game next week.

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npower League 2

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Gillingham 46 27 83
2 Rotherham 46 15 79
3 Port Vale 46 35 78
4 Burton Alb 46 6 76
5 Cheltenham 46 7 75
6 Northamptn 46 9 73
7 Bradford 46 11 69
8 Chesterfld 46 15 67
9 Oxford Utd 46 -1 65
10 Exeter 46 1 64
11 Southend 46 6 61
12 Rochdale 46 -2 61
13 Fleetwood 46 -2 60
14 Bristol R 46 -9 60
15 Wycombe 46 -10 60
16 Morecambe 46 -6 58
17 York City 46 -10 55
18 Accrington 46 -17 54
19 Torquay 46 -7 53
20 AFC W'don 46 -22 53
21 Plymouth 46 -9 52
22 Dag + Red 46 -7 51
23 Barnet 46 -12 51
24 Aldershot 46 -18 48

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

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