Fleetwood Town face Rochdale on Saturday 3 October at Highbury Stadium in Sky Bet League One, and we have all you need to know ahead of the 3pm kick-off in our match preview.
Fixture: Rochdale v Fleetwood Town
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 3 October 2020
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Crown Oil Arena, Sandy Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DR
Match officials: James Oldham (Referee), Garry Maskell and Steven Rushton (Assistant Referees), Danny Gratton (Fourth Official)
FLEETWOOD TOWN
The Cod Army head into this Sky Bet League One clash against Rochdale, looking to get back on track and earn all three points.
Fleetwood started out the game the better side, creating multiple chances that troubled Wimbledon’s goalkeeper Connal Trueman, but it was Steve Seddon’s first-half strike that settled the tie just before the break.
Before that, Fleetwood tested themselves against Premier League opposition in the Carabao Cup, as they faced Everton at Highbury Stadium. Town managed to score two goals past England international Jordan Pickford on the night, with one of those goals being an overhead kick from midfielder Callum Camps.
ROCHDALE
Rochdale have had a tough set of fixtures lately, facing the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Manchester United U21s.
In their last fixture, Dale tested themselves against the Under 21s side from Manchester United in the EFL Trophy, and after 90 minutes, there was nothing to separate the sides. In the penalty shootout that followed, Rochdale converted four of their six spot-kicks, but it wasn’t quite enough as the Red Devils netted five.
Rochdale’s last league outing saw them lose 2-0 to Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The game was goalless at the break but two quickfire goals from Teddy Bishop and Gwion Edwards decided the fixture.
COACHES QUOTES – JOEY BARTON
“BBM (Brian Barry-Murphy) has got them playing, they are adventurous, and it will be an entertaining game.
“I think it’s two good footballing sides who will trade with each other. Our strength is in the offensive part of the team and we’ll be setting up to go and score goals and win a game of football.
“The way that they try to play is quite similar so it won’t be a 0-0 or a dull encounter, they’ve got some young players in their side and so have we so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Watch head coach Joey Barton’s pre-match press conference on our iFollow HERE.
ONE TO WATCH – OLIVER RATHBONE
One to watch from Rochdale is midfielder, Oliver Rathbone. The 23-year-old signed for Rochdale in June 2016 after leaving Manchester United. He made his debut for the club against Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The highly-rated midfielder, who is a product of United’s Academy, penned a one-year-deal after arriving at the Crown Oil Arena, but his performances were so impressive that the contract was extended to the end of last term.
Ollie was then offered a new deal by Dale in the summer and although there was interest in him from other parties, he was happy to commit his future to the club for three more years.
WATCH TOWN ON IFOLLOW
Supporters can now purchase video match passes for Fleetwood Town’s Sky Bet League One clash against Rochdale on Saturday.
With games still being played behind closed doors, the match pass is your best option to watch the Cod Army during the early stages of the 2020/21 season.
Joey Barton's side head down to the Crown Oil Arena to face Rochdale on Saturday 3 October as they look to get back to winning ways - and you can watch the game against The Dale for just £10!
If you'd like to purchase your match pass, click HERE.
