Rochdale picked up their first victory in five games last Saturday following a one-nil win at home to Fleetwood Town. Their previous victory was also at home, two-one against Burton Albion on 30th January. Since then the Dale have lost back-to-back games with Crewe Alexandra (0-2) and Millwall (0-1) whilst also completing two, two-two draws at Crewe Alexandra and Bradford City. They lost 3-2 at Bramall Lane earlier in the season and currently lay 16th in the League One table - just nine points above the relegation zone and only ten away from the play-offs.
Rochdale picked up their first win of the month as Joe Bunney made it four goals from three games to hand Keith Hill's side a 1-0 victory over Fleetwood. The result eased fears Dale could be drawn into the relegation battle at the foot of League One, but there was no such respite for the visitors, who remain outside the drop zone on goal difference alone. The home side edged ahead in the 12th minute when Jim McNulty's delivery from the left found Bunney drifting between two Fleetwood defenders and he slid a neat finish wide of Chris Maxwell in the visitors' goal.
McNulty teed up Bunney for a similar opportunity in the 21st minute but this time the visiting defence cleared off the line. From there on the Cod Army had the better of the first half with Shola Ameobi twice going close and Ashley Hunter narrowly wide just before the interval. David Syers sent a pile driver inches over the crossbar for Rochdale midway through the second half while Grant Holt, on his return to Spotland after 10 years away from the club, tested Maxwell with a shot to his near post.
Fleetwood went close to a 90th-minute leveller when Wesley Burns sent a header against crossbar but the home side held on for all three points.
Rochdale will check on Ollie Lancashire ahead of Sheffield United's visit to Spotland. The defender has missed the last two matches through illness. Peter Vincenti was also affected and sat out the draw at Bradford but returned as a late substitute against Fleetwood this week and he could now be pushing for a return to the starting line-up.
Recent signing Grant Holt has reported no ill-effects following his latest cameo from the bench on Tuesday night and the burly striker will be involved again on Saturday. Holt was signed after Calvin Andrew sustained a foot injury, which will keep him side-lined, while Donal McDermott (stomach) and Scott Tanser (leg) remain doubts.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Rochdale 0 Sheffield United 1
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