Rochdale v Colchester preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Rochdale and Colchester United at Spotland.

Rochdale winger Simon Hackney will miss the clash against his former club. Hackney has yet to appear for Dale following his arrival in the summer due to an abdominal muscle injury and, despite returning to training, will not be available against the U's. Dale will be without striker David Ball, who has been recalled early by parent club Peterborough, so Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro is expected to partner Ashley Grimes up front. Akpa Akpro played out wide in last week's draw at Bournemouth and boss Steve Eyre must decide on who will fill that role against Colchester. Defender Joe Widdowson is still struggling with shin splints, but Eyre has no new injury or suspension worries as Dale chase back-to-back home league wins. Pat Baldwin is a doubt for Colchester. The centre-back has failed to train for the majority of this week having been unable to put on his boot after seeing his big toe stamped on during the first half of last weekend's 2-2 draw against Yeovil. Ashley Vincent could make John Ward's matchday 16 after the winger got 45 minutes under his belt for United's reserves in midweek as he steps up his recovery from a lengthy absence with a knee injury. Striker Steven Gillespie pushed his claims for a starting berth having bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 friendly victory over Crawley. Forward Michail Antonio was due to make the final appearance of his loan deal until Colchester on Thursday extended his stay into a third and final month. Goalkeeper Mark Cousins, who has missed the club's last three matches with a shoulder problem, is set to sit out once again.