Rochdale vs Sheffield United preview - Lancashire worry for Dale

Posted Monday, February 23, 2015 by PA

Rochdale could be without skipper Ollie Lancashire for their home game against Sheffield United.

Defender Lancashire is struggling with an unspecified knock after being forced out of Saturday's home win against Chesterfield and is expected to be replaced by Ashley Eastham if he fails to make it.

Tom Kennedy is expected to resume at left-back after signing a new short-term deal until the end of the season last week, but fellow defender Rhys Bennett (knee) remains sidelined.

Manager Keith Hill has no other major new injury or suspension worries, but midfielder Matty Lund (dislocated shoulder) remains a long-term absentee as Dale bid for back-to-back home league wins.

Sheffield United will be without suspended midfielder Jose Baxter following his dismissal in Saturday's draw against Coventry.

Baxter was shown a straight red card for a two-footed tackle on Adam Barton and starts a three-game ban.

Striker Matty Done hopes to face his former club following his permanent switch from Rochdale earlier this month, but defender Paul Coutts will be assessed after being forced off with a groin problem at the weekend.

Goalkeeper Iain Turner (back), Ryan Flynn (Achilles), Michael Higdon (hamstring) and Stefan Scougall (knee) all remain doubtful as the Blades bid to extend their unbeaten league run to five matches.