Colchester United will be hoping they can clinch their first win of the New Year on Saturday afternoon as Rochdale visit North Essex in Sky Bet League Two.
Hayden Mullins side fell to a 3-1 defeat on New Year's Day at Crawley Town in the first league game of the season. But the U's put in a much improved performance at Sutton United on Tuesday evening, and were unlucky to be eliminated from the Papa John's Trophy.
Tom Eastman levelled things up just before the break before the hosts re-took the lead. But Alan Judge twice hit the woodwork in the second half, as the U's went close to forcing the game to penalties in the dying moments.
But Mullins and Dyer will have to ensure the players put that game behind them as they return to league action on Saturday afternoon, when Rochdale make the journey to the JobServe Community Stadium.
The Opposition
Robbie Stockdale's side won't have been in action for three weeks when they take on Colchester United on Saturday afternoon after having games postponed due to COVID.
And they will be hoping the mid-season break will have given their players a refresh before heading into the second half of the campaign.
The Dale are currently three places and five points ahead of the U's, but would be likely to move back into the top half of the table with a win.
Their last game saw them pick up a first win in seven games, with a 3-0 victory over Newport County on the 18th December, ending a poor run of form for the Dale. And they will be hoping they can bring that momentum into Saturday's game, although it will be a tough task with a three-week break inbetween.
Stockdale has been keen to use a 3-4-3 formation throughout the 2021/22 campaign, with Jake Beesley the focal point of their attack. The number 9 has hit twelve goals in all competitions this season, with Alex Newby and Josh Andrews sitting behind him on five apiece.
The three-man defence allows Rochdale to play with wing-backs, with Corey O'Keeffe the man with the most assists at the club, with six to his name this season - the joint fifth-highest in the league.
At the back, there has been a battle between the sticks with Joel Coleman and Jay Lynch having fifteen appearances each, although Coleman has been given the nod in more league games.
Last Time We Met
The points were shared on the U's trip to Spotland earlier this season, with both goals coming from Rochdale players. Max Taylor put through his own net in comical style to give the U's the advantage, with Jimmy Keohane grabbing the equaliser after half time.
Tickets
Match Tickets are on sale from Col U Tickets, currently at the ADVANCE RATE. Click HERE to purchase your tickets, or they will also be available to purchase from the Club Shop on matchday.
Click HERE to see ticket prices for the 2021/22 Sky Bet League Two season.