ROCHDALE travel to one of their favourite hunting grounds for the curtain-raiser at Gay Meadow tomorrow, after completing their pre-season friendlies unbeaten.

They have a fully-fit squad, apart from Ernie Cooksey, who is struggling with a knee injury. But coach Tony Ford is looking forward to getting the season under way.

"I can't wait to get started even though, as usual, it will probably be one of the hottest days of the year," he said.

"We have had some good results at Shrewsbury in the past, and it would obviously be very nice to kick off with a win.

"It's an exciting start to the season because we follow this game on Tuesday with a home fixture against Wycombe, who, I feel, will be one of the favourites to go up."

Rochdale will probably give debuts to new signings Jon Boardman and Tommy Jaszczun, although Blair Sturrock will probably have to settle for the bench.

Shrewsbury have signed plenty of new players who will be hoping to make good impressions on their debuts.

LAST SEASON: Shrewsbury 0 Rochdale 2

KEY OPPONENT: Mark Stallard - vastly experienced and much-travelled striker.

PREDICTION: Shrewsbury 1 Rochdale 2

Betfred are offering 13/8 on Dale beating Shrewsbury this weekend. For full odds on the game, click here.

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