It's derby day on Tuesday as Rochdale make the short trip to the SportsDirect.com Stadium to face Oldham Athletic.
The game is one of Dale’s two games in hand following the postponement to the fixture earlier this year.
Speaking ahead of the derby day encounter, Manager Keith Hill commented: “I think we’re very well versed in what we need to do - the hard miles have been done by the players.
“They’re comfortable with one another and they know what we expect as a staff, and tactically they’re bright at taking on information when we need to change things.
“We see it as an opportunity and we see it as a bonus because it’s a game in hand. That’s where we have worked so hard to make sure that the games in hand can be really significant, rather than needing the three points.
“We don’t need these three points but we’ve worked exceptionally hard to get to this point where it’s a bonus game and there’s nothing riding on it.
"I don’t want the fans to take that the wrong way when I say that because there’s a hell of a lot riding on it, but that’s where we are – it’s a bonus game for us and that’s what we’ll play it as.”
Former Dale defender Dean Holden is currently in Caretaker charge at the Latics, alongside Tony Philliskirk, following the departure of Lee Johnson. Hill was asked whether or not this transitional period will make it more difficult as he prepares his side for the match, but Hill doesn’t think so.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Dean and for Tony, as well as for Oldham," said Hill. "They’re very similar to us, aren’t they, with the exception of Tuesday night when they’re rivals.
"I think other than on Tuesday night, or on a matchday, we try and help each other out as neighbours.
“We’re looking forward to the game, but I don’t think it makes any difference whatsoever with respect to them having caretaker managers who are in custodial charge until the end of the season. The attitude and the application of the players is what’s important and most players turn up for a derby.”