We turn the spotlight on Saturday's action with a full and in-depth preview of The Bluebirds' League Two trip to The Crown Oil Arena.
Rochdale v Barrow
Saturday 12th March 2022, 3pm
The Crown Oil Arena
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Following relegation from League One last term, Rochdale started 2021/22 in reasonably solid fashion but have struggled to find the consistency to be up there challenging for an instant return.
Their win at Barrow in October had them three points outside the play-offs, but just one victory in their following 13 League Two outings has seen the drop out of contention.
Indeed, concerns had been growing that they could be sucked into danger at the bottom, though crucial recent wins over Scunthorpe United and Northampton Town means they now sit seven points above the drop zone.
However, back-to-back defeats at Carlisle United and Sutton United coming into Saturday’s game means Robbie Stockdale’s side still do have a little work to do fully guarantee their place in the division for next term.
One To Watch
Rochdale paid an undisclosed fee to take Woking marksman Tahvon Campbell to The Crown Oil Arena during the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old front man had been in prolific form for The Cardinals during the first half of the campaign, hitting double figures by the start of October to earn attention from higher division clubs.
Campbell opened his account for Dale during the epic 3-3 draw with Harrogate Town last month, while he also netted the only goal in their recent win over Northampton Town.
Head To Head
Saturday’s game will be The Bluebirds’ first trip to Rochdale September 1969 when they were beaten 1-0 at Spotland in a Division Four contest.
The 1969/70 campaign was the last time the two clubs shared a division though they did meet in the FA Cup in January 2017 when the Lancashire outfit won 2-0 in Cumbria.
Earlier this season, Dale enjoyed a 2-1 success at The Dunes Hotel Stadium when a Jake Beesley double either side of an Ollie Banks goal ensured the three points for Robbie Stockdale’s men.
Referee
Charles Breakspear will take charge of his first Barrow game of the season on Saturday when he’s the man in the middle for our trip to The Crown Oil Arena.
The experienced official has been on the EFL’s list of referees since the beginning of the 2013/14 campaign and has operated across Leagues One and Two this season.
Saturday will be his 30th outing of 2021/22, with his most recent appointment on the first day of the month when he oversaw Newport County’s 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers at Rodney Parade.
Tickets
Fans can buy their tickets for Saturday’s game in advance from The Dunes Hotel Stadium until 4pm on Friday – after which they will also be available on the day from Rochdale’s Ticket Office and Ticket Cabin.
Click here for all the information you need on buying your tickets for Saturday’s game.
Live Streaming
We are unable to live stream games on iFollow in the UK on Saturday afternoons, though Bluebirds fans outside of the country can still access live footage of the weekend game as normal on iFollow.
Click here now to visit the Rochdale Match Centre and snap up your Video Match Pass.
Live Commentary
You can listen to live online audio commentary from every game – both home and away - on iFollow as part of our ongoing broadcast partnership with our friends at BBC Radio Cumbria.
It’s the only way access online commentary and fans will be able to listen to expert Bluebirds commentator Adam Johnson who will be joined by Darren Edmondson at Rochdale on Saturday.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.
Click here now to subscribe to iFollow.
Betting
The bookies have installed Rochdale as 19/20 favourites for three points this weekend, with The Bluebirds rated an 11/4 shot for victory and a draw priced up at 12/5 with Sky Bet.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of Saturday’s game.