Rochdale take on Doncaster

Gary Middlehurst (suspended) and Steve Roper are definitely ruled out for Rochdale, while Wayne English is struggling after suffering injuries to both ankles.

Hornets coach John Stankevitch has further doubts over Adam Bowman and Jonny Leather, whose partners are both due to give birth this week, but Dane Donoghue and Stephen Bannister will definitely feature.

Stankevitch said: “There’s a three point gap between ourselves and the top four, but the table doesn’t worry me as it looks right now.

“There are teams in the top four who’ve had arguably easier starts to the season than we have.”

Sunday’s Co-operative Championship One clash is the first of two successive meetings between Rochdale and Doncaster, who also face each other at the Keepmoat Stadium next week.

Stankevitch added: “I’m not overly upset at how we’re going, but I was disappointed with the last 30 minutes of last week. It wasn’t us at all, but if we win our next two games then I’m confident we’ll move into the top four.

“Having said that, Doncaster have got some pretty good players. Lee Waterman is a proven try-scorer, Tom Hodson has scored some points and Paul Cooke is a good influence on what they’re doing.

“However, we’ve got fantastic home form and if we win on Sunday it gives us a lot of momentum for the following week.”

Craig Robinson (knee) and Mike Emmitt (knee) are both missing for Doncaster, who are aiming for their fifth win in their first six league fixtures this year.