The magic of the FA Cup rolls into Spotland on Monday night as Rochdale host Premier League side Stoke City in the televised fourth round tie.
Live on BT Sport, the two sides will go head-to-head for a place in the last sixteen of the competition.
After last year’s cup success, it’s the second consecutive season that Dale have reached the fourth round stage – it's the first time that has been achieved in the club’s history.
Rochdale progressed to the fourth round this year after beating Nottingham Forest in the last round. That win followed replay victories over Northampton Town and Aldershot Town, in round one and two, respectively.
You can watch the Dale goals from the first three rounds on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE.
Monday night’s opponents entered the FA Cup at the third round stage and had to come from behind at home to Wrexham to book their place in the fourth round of the competition – they were eventual 3-1 winners over the Conference side.
Matty Lund, Dale’s only long term absentee, will miss the match injury, while there are still some concerns over Peter Vincenti who was forced off against Crawley Town last weekend due to a knee problem. Manager Keith Hill, who was ill at the start of the week, was well enough to return to the club on Friday and oversee training. Stoke could be without Ryan Shawcross and Jonathan Walters, who are both doubtful.
PRE-MATCH
You can watch Manager Keith Hill’s pre-match interview on Dale Player by clicking HERE.
You can read some of what he had to say HERE.
Skipper Olly Lancashire’s interview can be viewed HERE.
THE OPPOSITION
In charge – Mark Hughes
League position – 10th in the Premier League
Top goal scorers – Mame Biram Diouf & Jonathan Walters (6 goals each)
LAST MEETING
August 14th 2007: League Cup
Rochdale 2-2 Stoke City (AET) - Dale progressed to the next round with a 4-2 win on penalties
The sides last met over seven years as Dale welcomed Stoke City to Spotland for a Carling Cup clash.
Ryan Shawcross opened the scoring after just four minutes, but a late goal from David Perkins (83 mins) ensured the tie went to extra time. Rory Prendergast sent Rochdale into the lead, before Richard Creswell took the match to penalties after netting with 120 minutes on the clock. Dale knocked the Potters out of the competition with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win.
Dale XI on the day: J Spencer, S Ramsden, R McArdle, T Kennedy, N D’Laryea, D Perkins, G Jones, A Rundle, G Murray, B Muirhead, C Dagnall. Subs: L Rigby, L Crooks, J Thompson, R Prendergast, A Le Fondre.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant referees: Gary Beswick and Jake Collin
Fourth Official: Michael Jones
TICKET INFORMATION
The match is all ticket – you cannot pay on the night.
FIRST TIME VISITOR?
Click HERE to view our first time visitors’ guide.
MATCH COVERAGE
Live commentary coverage of the game will be available on Dale Player, with the programme getting underway at around 7.55pm. Not got Dale Player? You can sign up HERE.
We’ll be tweeting live from the game via @officiallydale