ROCHDALE boss Steve Parkin has been busy stating the case for the defence all week as his side looks to return to winning ways against his struggling former club at Spotland tomorrow

"We are free scoring and dangerous at the moment and that is obviously very pleasing, but defensively we have still to get it right."

With Mansfield having started badly, putting manager Carlton Palmer under pressure, Parkin will be looking for his side to cement a top three place but will have to do without injured midfielder Ernie Cooksey who has a bruised foot.

LAST SEASON: Rochdale 1 Mansf'ld 1

KEY OPPONENT: Richard Barker - former Macclesfield striker.

PREDICTION: Rochdale 3 Mansfield 1

Do you agree with the prediction? Have your say.

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