It's back to home soil for Dale this weekend as they take on Walsall at Spotland this Saturday.

Four away games on the trot have provided rich pickings for Manager Keith Hill's side starting with a good showing against Birmingham in the Carling Cup. Although the result didn't go Dale's way the performance had everything and who knows what would have happened but for a very unconvincing penalty decision. Hill's charges took that performance into the away fixture at Brentford scoring impressive back-to-back wins at Griffin Park and last week at Southampton.

However, while Dale fans bask in the warm of the wins, Dale boss has warned everyone to keep their feet firmly on the ground and expectations in check.

"We have to guard against expectancy, it can be a very dangerous thing," said Hill. "We are in a new league and we have to remain balanced with regard our expectations. We are work in progress and despite a few good results and good performances we still remain so."

Walsall arrive at Spotland after making a stuttering start to the season with two wins and three losses in the league and exits from both the Carling Cup to Tranmere and Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Saddlers defender Manny Smith believes the players need to relax a little more and results will come.Speaking to the Express and Star he said: "In the warm-up before the games everyone is hyped up. Everyone is too eager and too keen to do well.

"Sometimes we expect things to happen rather than going out there and making it happen, but we will come together and start picking up points." Hopefully Manny you'll start doing that from Sunday onwards.

Rochdale go into the game with a full squad to choose from and Hill expected to keep faith with the team that triumphed over Southampton last Saturday.

Skipper Gary Jones who must have found the pool from the movie Cocoon continues to turn back the clock and is very pleased with his start to the season and believes it's the 'new-look' Rochdale that's bringing the best out of him.

"I think the new formation suits me and allows me to get forward," said Jones."I seem to get more chances to get a shot away and sometimes they fly in, sometimes they don't.The goal at Southampton was the sweetest strike I've hit, I just knew it was in the moment it left my foot.

"We have a good squad of players and the management team are pushing the boundaries and getting the very best out of everyone.

"Times are good but we have to make sure we don't get carried away.We have to keep focused, continue to learn and stay level-headed. Walsall will be another tough test despite their start to the season, they are a wounded animal right now, but as we all know wounded animals are dangerous."

Many Dale fans took advantage of the massive 6/1 odds offered on a Rochdale win last weekend, but the bookies aren't as generous this weekend with a Dale win at 11/10

Better value can be found if you fancy Gary Jones to continue in his rich vein of form with 4/1 offered by our betting partner Coral to score at anytime.

For those looking for even greater value how about a scorecast bet - 65/1 for the skipper to score first and Dale to win 2-1.

We always prefer to see you at Spotland but if you cannot make it for what ever reason don't despair!  All our games both home and away are aired on Dale Player - click below.