Rochdale v Walsall | Crown Oil Arena, Sky Bet League One, Saturday 25th August 2018, 3pm Kick-Off
Dale are straight back in action at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday with Walsall the visitors in Sky Bet League One.
The Saddlers have made an impressive start to the season, winning three and drawing their other league game, along with progressing to the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Connor Randall arrived at the Crown Oil Arena on loan from Premier League side Liverpool on Thursday, as Dale look to bounce back from Tuesday's defeat at home to Barnsley.
PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW
Keith Hill has said he is still very optimistic about the season ahead, despite a tough test so far.
Click HERE to watch the Gaffer’s full pre-match interview on iFollow, or watch a snippet below on our official YouTube channel.
You can also read what Hill had to say ahead of the game HERE.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Walsall boss Dean Keates has confirmed they have winger Zeli Ismail available for selection ahead of the game and commented on Dale's midweek defeat.
“They’ve been on the end of something the other night and it won’t have felt very nice for them,” he said. “They’ll be looking for a reaction and it’ll be a difficult game for us.”
Click HERE to read what Keates had to say on Walsall's official website.
ADMISSION DETAILS
It is pay on the day at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday.
Supporters can pay through the turnstiles for the Pearl Street Stand, the Sandy Lane and the away stand. However, supporters wishing to sit in the Main Stand must purchase a ticket from the RAFC Ticket Office before going to the turnstiles.
Normal league prices apply for the fixture. They can be found HERE.
FIRST TIME VISITOR GUIDE
Are you a first-time visitor to the Crown Oil Arena? Click HERE for all of the information you may need in order to plan your visit and make the most of the matchday experience at Rochdale Football Club!
AWAY SUPPORTERS’ GUIDE
If you are a Barnsley fan making your way to the Crown Oil Arena for Saturday’s game, click HERE and have a read of our Visiting Supporters’ Guide which is packed full of useful information!
PRE-MATCH
Youngsters can handle some curious critter friends and try bushtucker food at our Junior Event before Saturday’s game! Click HERE for full details.
Don't forget to give Saturday's mascots a warm reception, one of which is the daughter of a former Dale fans' favourite. Click HERE to find out who!
The Ratcliffe Bars, situated on the Crown Oil Arena car park, are open to both home and away supporters from midday.
REF WATCH
Referee | Graham Salisbury
Assistant Referees | Barry Cropp & Helen Byrne
Fourth Official | Anthony Moore
HEAD TO HEAD
|
Dale |
Draws |
Walsall |
|
24 |
17 |
22 |
FLASHBACK
Dale were 4-0 winners over Walsall at the Crown Oil Arena in November 2016, thanks to two goals in each half.
It was a memorable night for Ollie Rathbone, who scored his first ever professional goal to open the scoring.
Click HERE for the full flashback, including highlights.
MATCH ODDS
Sky Bet are offering odds of 23/20 for a Dale win on Saturday.
Click HERE for the full betting preview.
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back on Saturday.
The new features for the 2018/19 season return and there is a pull-out caricature poster of goalkeeper Josh Lillis inside!
Click HERE to read the full TVOS preview.
WE’VE GOT IT COVERED
Fans in the UK can listen to match audio commentary on iFollow, whilst overseas supporters can watch the match live! The programme will start at 2.45pm.
Click HERE to subscribe to iFollow.
To access commentary/watch live via your desktop, click on the 'iFollow' tab on our navigation bar. Hover over the 'More' tab and more selections will appear, which is where the 'iFollow' tab is located. Once you’ve clicked through, a link will appear on the left-hand side of the page for you to access the commentary. This will appear on the site around half an hour before kick-off.
We will be tweeting live updates from the match and will go behind-the-scenes with our Instagram Story feature. Follow @officiallydale (Twitter and Instagram).