Rochdale are not flirting with relegation for no reason, with just one win from their last six league games being a cause for concern.
41 goals conceded and just 22 scored suggests that defensive frailties and a lack of attacking output are the root cause of Dale boss, Jim Bentley’s issues.
Adding to the current concerns were the dismissals of Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Sam Graham in the 2-0 defeat at Hartlepool last Saturday, meaning both will be suspended this weekend.
Carlisle United on the other hand are high flying, chasing Northampton Town who currently sit one place above the Blues in the third-place automatic promotion spot.
United will be feeling confident going into the fixture off the back of Tuesday evenings 3-1 home win over Hartlepool United and winning four of their last six games.
The sides met earlier in the season, drawing 3-3 at Brunton Park.
Team news
Rochdale
Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Sam Graham will both be missing following their dismissals at Hartlepool United last Saturday.
It is unclear whether left-back Aidy White will be able to return to the squad after suffering from concussion in Dales 2-1 defeat to Colchester on January 14.
Rochdale boss, Jim Bentley said: “I don’t think tactically we’re getting done by anyone, you know moments of brilliance. I think we’re shooting ourselves in the foot more often than not”. Speaking to Rochdale AFC Media.
Carlisle
Carlisle’s last win at Rochdale came in 2011 when they won 3-2.
United have brought in loanees Jack Robinson, Alfie McCalmont, and John Kymani Gordan and permanent signing of Joe Garner this January.
Carlisle boss, Paul Simpson said: “A challenge we still have is that we haven’t won three consecutive games and I want us to do that. If you’re going to do anything you have to be winning games consistently, you have to go on runs.” Speaking to Carlisle United Media.
Predicted lineups
Rochdale
Eastwood, Seriki, Taylor, Ball, John, Odoh, Kelly, Keohane, Lloyd- McGoldrick, Henderson, Rodney.
Carlisle
Holy, Senior, Feeney, Huntington, Mellish, Armer, Moxon, Guy, Gibson, Gordon, Dennis.
Key players
Despite Rochdale’s lack of goal scoring this season 24-year-old forward Devante Rodney has been Dales’ best attribute going forward with seven goals from 32 appearances so far.
If Rochdale are to get a result against an in-form Carlisle, they will have to prioritise creating chances for Rodney.
Rodney will have to be in top form to help Jim Bentley’s men break their poor form and mount a survival bid as he will be coming up against a robust Carlisle defence that has only conceded 26 times this season.
Carlisle’s Kristian Dennis has been key to the sides promotion challenge this season with his goals leaving him joint top of the League 2 goalscoring charts with 16 goals so far.
Dennis has been in incredible form and has scored five in his last four, scoring twice against Hartlepool United on Tuesday.
Rochdale will have to be careful about letting Dennis get the ball inside their box as he has proved to be extremely clinical with 15 of his 16 goals coming from this area.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at the Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale.
What time is kick-off
Kick off is at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 28 January 2023 at the Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale.
How can I watch?
While the game is not available to watch live in the UK and Ireland, overseas supporters can watch the game via either clubs' iFollow service.
Supporters in the UK can use iFollow to listen to the match live.