Brian Barry-Murphy says his side are “very keen” to provide exciting football for supporters at the Crown Oil Arena.
Dale host Kenny Jackett’s Portsmouth on Saturday in Sky Bet League One.
And Barry-Murphy is confident his side will provide a “stern test” for their Hampshire opposition.
He said “We are expecting a very tough game. They are one of the biggest teams in the league, managed by a manager who has won more games than I can imagine!"
“It is a game we are very excited by. We feel that if we play well, we can provide them with a lot of problems.
“Tuesday night’s game was fantastic to get the win, but there were parts of the game where certain points of the tactical set-up hindered the players in their attacking processes.
“They found a way to win the game. We have to help our attacking players get into those positions quickly and it is something we are working on.
“The league games have been fantastic crowds for us, as have our cup games. Tuesday night was difficult for our fans to attend, but against a team like Portsmouth, our lads can’t wait to see what the atmosphere will be like at the Crown Oil Arena.
“We are very keen to get a performance on board to provide them with excitement and, while respecting the opposition, we are confident we can provide a stern test for Portsmouth that gives us a good chance of winning the game.”
Rhys Norrington-Davies and Luke Matheson both come into contention, having missed last weekend’s trip to St. Andrews, as well as Tuesday night’s Emirates FA Cup replay win over Wrexham, through international commitments.
The Dale boss emphasised the importance both men had on his squad of players.
“Our lads are a very confident group who worked very hard for a victory on Tuesday night," said Barry-Murphy.
“They are very excited to get through to the second round and the lure of the third round is huge in everyone’s mind.
“In terms of which players take part in training, it is obviously decided through who is fit and available.
“We have a lot of players missing through various injuries at the moment, so we are focused on those available.
“Since Tuesday night we have had to assess a couple of injuries from that.
“We look at it on a day-to-day basis on who we can make available.
“Most of our injuries are still recovering, mainly those who have been long term absentees.
“But we have the added bonus of welcoming back Rhys Norrington-Davies and Luke Matheson back for the game which gives us all a great lift.
“It is great to have such valued members of the squad come back at any time.
“The fact we played so well without them – last weekend against Coventry – was a great testament to the players who performed.”
Watch the full interview with the Dale boss on iFollow HERE.