Rochdale vs Peterborough United preview - Rafferty to miss out for Dale

Posted Friday, August 07, 2015 by PA

Rochdale defender Joe Rafferty will miss Saturday's Sky Bet League One opener at home to Peterborough through suspension.

The 21-year-old full-back was sent off in Dale's penultimate game of the season - a 5-0 defeat at Barnsley .

Centre-back Rhys Bennett (arm) and midfielder Matty Lund (knee) are ruled out through injury as Dale look to build on their eighth-placed finish last season.

Summer signings Lewis Alessandra, Donal McDermott and Jim McNulty will all be looking to make their debuts for the club.

Wales international Jack Collison could make his eagerly-anticipated debut for ambitious Posh in what would be his first competitive outing for more than a year.

New forwards Joe Gormley and Kieran Sadlier might also hope to see some action and defenders Michael Smith and Gabriel Zakuani should be fit despite suffering knocks in last week's friendly against Cambridge.

Midfielder Joe Newell joined Rotherham this week after a successful trial, while Jack Payne has been the subject of interest from Leyton Orient.

Midfielder Harry Beautyman is ruled out with a thigh strain.