ROCHDALE travel to the Britannia Stadium tonight facing a tough Carling Cup task against in-form first round opponents Stoke.

"It is an occasion that my players should enjoy. We are playing against a really well supported club in a terrific stadium," said Dale boss Alan Buckley.

"It is a good test for us and if the players can't lift themselves for a game like this then they shouldn't be playing professional football."

“It is another opportunity for us to continue working towards the end product that we are looking for and it would be churlish of us to waste 90 good minutes by making needless changes to the side. I will be picking the strongest possible side that I can.”

Loan striker Chris Shuker has been cleared by Manchester City to take part with Buckley adding: "Kevin Keegan has again been as good as gold by letting him play in the game and we are grateful to him."

Shuker is likely to be partnered by a man with a point to prove. Paul Connor spent two seasons with Stoke but scored just seven league goals before becoming Dale's record signing in a £150,000 deal.

Skipper Gareth Griffiths is still struggling with a back problem but is hopeful of a return to the action in time for Saturday's league game against Cambridge.

The winners of tonight's game will host another First Division side, Gillingham, in the next round.

BETFRED:

Match result: Stoke 1/3; Draw 3/1; Dale 15/2

Rochdale To Win
1-0 16/1
2-0 50/1
2-1 25/1
3-0 125/1
3-1 80/1
3-2 50/1
4-0 200/1
4-1 200/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Shuker 8/1
Connor 8/1
L McEvilly 8/1
Towson 9/1
Bertos 12/1
Beech 12/1
McClare 16/1
Betts 16/1

Scorecast:
Shuker & Rochdale 1-0 85/1
Connor & Rochdale 2-0 225/1
Towson & Rochdale 3-1 400/1

Others odds available on request. Prices subject to fluctuation. Ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

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