ROCHDALE bid to halt a run of five league defeats against table-topping Oxford at Spotland.

Alan Buckley has little option for change following his team's disastrous defeat at Southend last weekend.

Record signing Paul Connor, Michael Simpkins and Chris Beech remain sidelined while key midfielder Gary Jones is short of match fitness.

Knowing that he needs a win, Buckley may recall leading scorer Kevin Townson and mercurial Patrick McCourt in place of the out-of-form Lee McEvilly and Matt Doughty.

Despite the fact that his side are top, Oxford boss Ian Atkins is still being linked with the managerial vacancy at Southend and this could prove to be his last game in charge.

LAST SEASON: Rochdale 2 Oxford 1

KEY OPPONENT: Julian Alsop - extremely dangerous in the air,.

PREDICTION: Rochdale 0 Oxford 0

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

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