Fresh off the back of a disappointing first-round exit from the FA Cup, Rochdale play host to Salford City at the Crown Oil Arena in League Two on Tuesday.
While Jim Bentley's side will be looking to end their run of five consecutive games without a win, the visitors head into the midweek contest aiming to rise into the playoff spots.
Match preview
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Rochdale failed to arrest their slump in form as they were sent crashing out of the FA Cup courtesy of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers when the sides squared off on Saturday.
Following an uneventful first half at the Memorial Stadium, veteran striker Scott Sinclair found the back of the net in the 65th minute to send the home side through to the second round.
This result was in keeping with their recent struggles in the League Two, where they have failed to win any of their last three matches, losing twice and claiming one draw since a 2-1 victory over Barrow on October 15.
Rochdale have now picked up three wins, three draws and lost 10 of their 16 matches to collect 12 points and sit 22nd in the League Two standings, one point above rock-bottom Colchester United.
While the Dale will look to stop the rot and steer clear of the relegation zone, their form at the Crown Oil Arena has been nothing to write home about as they currently hold the league's worst home record with four points from a possible 28.
Salford City, on the other hand, were sent crashing down to earth in their last league outing as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Leyton Orient when the sides locked horns two Saturdays ago.
Former Queens Park Rangers forward Paul Smyth came up clutch at the Breyer Group Stadium as he scored the only goal of the game in the 14th minute to put the visitors to the sword.
Prior to that, Neil Wood's men ended their two-game losing streak on October 25, when they claimed a 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United courtesy of goals in either half from Ryan Leak and Ethan Galbraith.
With 27 points from 16 games, Salford City are currently eighth in the League Two standings, level on points with Mansfield Town, Carlisle United and sixth-placed Bradford City.
The Ammies head into Tuesday's contest fresh off the back of holding League One outfit Peterborough United to a goalless draw at the ABAX Stadium in round one of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Salford City are now unbeaten in six of their last seven away games across all competitions — claiming five wins and one draw — with their defeat at Leyton Orient being the only exception.
Team News
Rochdale will take to the pitch without the services of Stockport County loanee Scott Quigley, who is currently the club's leading scorer in the league with four goals in nine matches.
The 31-year-old striker, who came off injured in the EFL Trophy game against Tuesday's visitors when the side met on October 18, has missed the last four matches and is out of contention for the Dale.
He is joined on the club's injury table by Scottish goalkeeper Cieran Slicker and Tahvon Campbell, while Liam Kelly was force off with a 40th-minute injury against Bristol Rovers last time out.
Meanwhile, Salford City will have to cope without the defensive duo of Liam Shephard and Richard Nartey, who have been sidelined through long-term injuries.
Veteran midfielder Jason Lowe is set to sit out his eighth consecutive game after the 31-year-old picked up an injury against Grimsby Town on October 1.
Former Everton man Conor McAleny, who has three goal involvements in five league matches, picked up a muscle problem back in September and is out of contention for Tuesday's game.
Rochdale possible starting lineup:
O'Donnell; Keohane, Graham, Ebanks-Landell, John; Diagouraga, bRIERLEY; Rodney, Ball, Odoh; Henderson
Salford City possible starting lineup:
King; Vassell, Eastham, Leak; Galbraith, Watson, Watt, Lund, Touray; Bolton, Dackers
We say: Rochdale 1-2 Salford City
Rochdale will be looking to get one over Salford City following their penalty shootout defeat in October's EFL Trophy clash. However, the Dale have suffered a drop-off in recent weeks, losing four of their last five outings. We predict that Salford will maintain their fine away form and come away with a slender victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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