ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is looking forward to "that three-point feeling" ahead of the clash with big-spending Peterborough.

The Dale manager will be hoping to gain some early season momentum and believes the club's team spirit could be the key to a successful campaign.

"Everybody just wants to get started now," said Hill.

"We're all looking forward to that three-point feeling on a Saturday and we go into the season optimistic and at the same time realistic.

"We expect to over-achieve, not just myself and Dave Flitcroft, but the players, too. This is a great opportunity to be successful and we will do it as a collective.

"That is our great strength, being collective. While other teams may have so-called strong individual players, we have the collective unit and I wouldn't swap that."

Darren Ferguson's side are the favourites to win League Two, but Dale assistant boss Dave Flitcroft is looking forward to the challenge.

"We treat every game as if it is a cup final or a top of the league clash." said Flitcroft.

"The players are as well prepared as they can be and we have to play each team twice whoever they are."

Rochdale start without the suspended John Doolan, Kallum Higginbotham and Callum Warburton. Nathan Stanton is also out recovering from a knee operation.

Last season: Peterborough 3 Rochdale 3

Key opponent: Micah Hyde - Captain for the first time in Peterborough and he will be keen to show he is the right man to wear the armband.

Prediction: Peterborough 1 Rochdale 2 - Rochdale are in good shape and this could tell towards the end of the game.

You can get 150/1 on Rochdale winning 4-1 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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