ADAM Le Fondre won't allow new friendships to blunt his predatory instincts when Rochdale visit Edgeley Park.

The Stockport County striker only returned to Edgeley Park last week after a successful loan spell at Spotland, scoring four goals in seven games.

And he marked his first game back for County by converting a penalty in the 3-3 draw with Hartlepool last Saturday.

"I had a very good time at Rochdale, scoring a few goals and getting my match fitness back," said Le Fondre.

"The main thing for me was playing football. The season started really well for me at Stockport, but after an injury I was struggling for fitness and that's why I went out on loan.

"Rochdale are going to be difficult to play against. They haven't lost in their last eight games, which is a very good run.

"When I went there, there was a real buzz within the team with everyone working for each other. We went out and battered MK Dons who are in the play-off places."

Le Fondre also enjoyed the contrasting styles of Stockport boss Jim Gannon and Rochdale's Keith Hill.

"The two managers are similar in that they do their homework about the opposition, but they have their own ways of doing things," he added.

Preparation

"Jim Gannon is very thorough about the way he prepares for games while Keith Hill has a more aggressive way of telling you to go out and batter the opposition. They're both good to work for in their own way.

"But I feel like my long-term future is at Stockport. It's a good time to be back, there's still a good chance of getting promotion automatically while the play-offs look nailed on."

Gannon will wait on the fitness of Tes Bramble (thigh), Adam Proudlock (ankle) and Rob Clare (foot injury) before kick-off.

He said: "Rochdale are a spirited side and they've done well under Keith Hill. Alfie going there gave them a bit of an injection and he obviously made some mates there, but he's a Stockport lad and he'll give 100 per cent."

County have brought in Norwich goalkeeper Joe Lewis on loan as Wayne Hennessey is due back at Wolves in a fortnight.

Meanwhile another loan player, midfielder Dominic Blizzard, is on the move after his club Watford accepted an offer from MK Dons.

Rochdale will be without Rory McArdle, who is with the Northern Ireland Under-21 side for their friendly against Romania.

"I'm delighted for Rory, he's representing his country and it is all credit to him," said Dale boss Keith Hill.

"However I do question the whole international set-up at our level because we have to go and play a very important game this weekend without him.

"It affects League clubs in a negative way, unlike the Premiership sides who all get the weekend off. It's like taking a right hook, it hurts but you have to take it on the chin and we'll do that.

"We have a good squad to choose from and Nathan Stanton has returned to training after a knee problem so we will just get on with it and go to Stockport in the right frame of mind."

Last season: Stockport 3 Rochdale 0

Key opponent: Louis Dodds - On-loan Leicester striker will be a threat

Prediction: Stockport 2 Rochdale 1 - Home advantage should edge it for County

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 7/1 on County winning 2-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.
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