Swindon vs Rochdale preview - Thompson banned for Robins

Posted Monday, October 20, 2014 by PA

Swindon will be without their captain Nathan Thompson for the visit of Rochdale.

The 23-year-old right-back picked up a second yellow card late on in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Yeovil which means manager Mark Cooper will be forced into another defensive reshuffle.

Cooper is already without Raphael Branco, who has been sidelined for a month with a groin injury, while Brad Smith was recalled by parent club Liverpool on Monday.

Striker Andy Williams will hope he has done enough to earn a start with his equaliser having stepped off the bench at Huish Park.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill will make changes to his starting line-up as his side prepares for two long trips in the space of five days.

Hill, who recalled defenders Rhys Bennett, Ashley Eastham and Michael Rose for Saturday's home draw against Gillingham, has no new injury or suspension worries.

Dale missed a hatful of chances against Gillingham and Hill could be tempted to hand Jack Muldoon his first league appearance for the club, while fellow striker Calvin Andrew is also pushing for a recall.

Goalkeeper Josh Lillis (ankle) is the only absentee so Conrad Logan will continue. Defenders Joe Rafferty and Olly Lancashire, plus midfielder Matty Lund are in contention to return for Dale, who travel to Yeovil on Saturday.