Championship 1 Preview: London Skolars v Rochdale (Sun)

London Skolars are hoping it will be third time lucky when they entertain Rochdale Hornets on Sunday.

Skolars have lost their two trips to Spotland this season, but hope to cause an upset at New River Stadium.

Coach Joe Mbu said: “We’ve played them twice so far, and they had a few changes in personnel between those games.

“I’m expecting the same Rochdale that we usually see – a good, strong, powerful team.

“I’m sure they will fancy coming here and getting a win off us.”

Mbu’s only injury absentee is Jack Dillon, who could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Rochdale moved up to second with Sunday’s 46-4 win at Gateshead Thunder and coach Ian Talbot is looking for them to continue their recent good form.

He said: “It was a great performance, especially defensively.

“When Skolars came up to our for the league game it was tit-for-tat for long periods.

“I’ve spoken about it before – the quality in London is improving year on year, and it won’t be easy on that tight pitch there.”

Talbot will check on Dayne Donoghue (knee) and Jordan Case (throat infection), while long-term absentees Alex McClurg and Alex Trumper remain sidelined.