Rochdale manager Robbie Stockdale insists his side will remain focused ahead of the visit of Leyton Orient on Saturday. Dale face an FA Cup replay with Notts County on Tuesday for a spot in Round Two but Stockdale knows the importance of their league form. Speaking to rochdaleafc.co.uk “our sole focus is to win three league games on the bounce”.

Only lost one of their last six in all competitions – W2 D3 L1

Dale head into the clash with Orient on the back of a 1-1 draw with Notts County last Sunday. Corey O’Keeffe put them ahead just before the break but Kyle Wootton equalised just after the hour mark to force a replay. Stockdale stated to rochdaleafc.co.uk “we didn’t play to our best but credit to Notts County, I felt we probably created the better of chances, on the balance of play, it’s probably a fair result but we could have won it”.

After a fortnight away from league action with two cup games, Stockdale is looking for his side to continue their recent good league form. After back to back league wins, the 41 year old is looking for his side to start where they left off against the O’s. Speaking to rochdaleafc.co.uk “I hope we do, four games unbeaten then the FA Cup game was a difficult game but we came through it and we are still in the draw. If we get the win at the weekend, it will give us good momentum to take in to next week”.

Only Carlisle and Scunthorpe (5) have scored fewer goals at home

One win in last five at home – W1 D1 L3

Despite having the replay FA Cup replay on Tuesday night with a money spinning Round Two home game against Plymouth or Sheffield Wednesday, Stcokdale insists the mentality of his team remains the same. Speaking to rochdaleafc.co.uk “cup games come around and are all exciting, our mentality remains the same going into win the game. We always try and play on the front foot. It’s another difficult game, Leyton Orient are an experienced team and have an experienced manager. We have to be at our best in any game to win it”.

No clean sheet in last four, one clean sheet in last 12 games

Scored in three of their last four games

Orient arrive at the Crown Oil Arena in fine form and inside the play off places. Despite sitting in 13th, Dale are only outside the play off places by three points and know a win against the O’s can push them right in the mix. Dale have already beaten Port Vale, Northampton and Sutton at the top end of the table and will be looking to replicate that form on Saturday. Spekaing to rochdaleafc.co.uk Stockdale stated “we’ve had the fixtures before and done well, we always respect the opposition no matter who we play. We will try and inpose our style on games and we will be doing no different at the weekend”.

Team News

Defender Jim NcNulty is stil unavailable as he continue his rehab. Winger Alex Newby and defender Max Taylor could be involved in teh matchday squad after returning to training this week. Striker Josh Andrews returned to the bench against Notts County and should be involved on Saturday.

Head to Head – Rochdale 12, Draw 5, Leyton Orient 21