This is a bellwether fixture really, as Rochdale are a club with a similar budget to us and perennially in the bottom half of League One. I won't be panicking if we fail to win or even lose the game, but we need to be more competitive than we were in last season's friendly, when we were comprehensively outplayed. If we can at least match our opponents, it will give us all confidence for the months ahead. It will be interesting to see whether the absence of the talismanic Keith Hill has adversely affected Dale.
I think the squad as it stands is reasonably strong aside from the strikers, and the bigger concern at the moment is injuries. I get the feeling that one of Woods and Caprice will be fit and it is only Miller and CBT who will definitely miss out.
Subject to any loanees arriving this week, I think we will line up as follows, probably in a 4411 formation:
Davies
Woods / Caprice Ray Monthe Ridehalgh
Potter
Banks Perkins
Morris
Jennings
Payne
Rochdale have decent quality down the spine of their team, and the three standout individuals are those mentioned by Boz above, particularly Henderson.
Despite some anxiety regarding the squad strength, I can't wait for the season to get started.
Prediction: a draw or a narrow Rovers victory in front of 7,500-8,000, with approximately 800-1,000 from Spotland.