THE depth of Rochdale's squad will be put to the test as they entertain Chester at Spotland tonight.

Manager Keith Hill is low on numbers at the back and up-front as Dale look to kick-start their stuttering opening to the season.

Full-back Simon Ramsden is out with a calf injury and could be joined on the sidelines by Nathan Stanton after the central defender picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw at Morecambe on Saturday.

Striker Jon Shaw is ruled out with a hamstring injury which leaves Hill with just three frontmen to choose from - Lee Thorpe, Chris Dagnall and Adam Le Fondre.

"We are down to the bones for Tuesday's game and it is a bit of a worry as we have tried to bring players in and we can't seem to do it," Hill admitted.

"Players are either choosing to go to other clubs or they are out of our range wage-wise.

"It is a concern but while we are down on numbers it is an opportunity for someone else and it might be a chance to promote from within and we are not afraid of doing that."

Rochdale league form: WWLDD

Chester league form: DDLDL

Key opponent: Ryan Lowe - scored last time out and his confidence will be up

Prediction: Dale 2 Chester 1 - Chester are struggling and Dale should have enough to win

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 7/1 on Rochdale winning 2-1 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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