ROCHDALE go in search of their fourth successive victory in the game at local rivals Macclesfield.
 
The Spotland outfit are currently fourth in League Two and Hill is relishing the prospect of games coming thick and fast over the next month.

“When games are coming so frequently it stimulates the players," said Hill. "We can see the finish line from here. Once you get past December you are counting down and every game we have to play represents another opportunity to pick up three points.

“In the early part of the season it’s all about improving your performances, but opportunities to improve are passing by now we are at the business end of the season. We have worked ourselves into a decent position and it’s all about making the most of that."

On-loan Leicester City winger Nicky Adams had stitches removed on a head wound this week and should be fit to play at the Moss Rose while Lee McEvilly will be pushing hard for a place in the starting line-up after his impressive cameo appearance in the 2-0 win at Chester City last time out.

Striker Lee Thorpe, sidelined since the end of November with a back strain, is back in training and will come into contention for the game.

Keith Alexander will resist any temptation to rip it up and start again after his team took a midweek hammering at Exeter.

Alexander's team were beaten 4-0 by the Grecians but the Silkmen boss said: "I don¹t expect too many changes. It hasn¹t been easy in the last three weeks. We have been training on astroturf.

"The (Exeter) defeat has shown us just how much we are going to have to improve if we are going to climb the table before the end of the season."

Macclesfield league form: DWDLL

Rochdale league form: DLWWW

Key opponent: Emile Sinclair - on loan forward has done well for Macc

Prediction: Macc 1 Dale 1 - Dale have the edge on quality but Macc will be in the mood to battle

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 6/1 on Dale to win 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

Tweet