Football: Dale manager Keith Hill says his side has to 'strike a mark in the sand' as Oxford arrive at the Crown Oil Arena

Rochdale manager Keith Hill

Rochdale welcome Oxford United to the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday looking to improve on a run of just one win in five league games.

Dale were unlucky last time out against Bradford losing out in a seven goal thriller but hovering just above the relegation zone approaching the half way stage of the season points on the board are needed.

Oxford lie eighth in the table and won last time out at home against Doncaster, and Dale can expect a tough game against a difficult side to beat.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill said: “Oxford are a good side. This is their second season back in League One and they are an exciting team to watch. I have got a lot of respect for them.

"We have got to strike a mark in the sand right now."

"Talking about his squad, Hill added: "These players are good players – we are in League One, we are always trying to over achieve and that mantra will continue. Win together, we lose together and we have got to stick together, it is as simple as that.

"There has been a lot of messages this week, but ultimately, it is a game that we love, a game that we love playing and we will accept those challenges.”

Onford manager Pep Clotet says he is looking for his side to continue their "good form". He added: “Rochdale did very well last year but it is a very tough division and this year they find themselves in a position where they are fighting to stay in this league and they are using their home form to pick up most of their points

“So we know that will make it a really tight game with a lot to play for both teams, so we have to match their intensity but at the same time play our own football.”

Rochdale v Oxford United
Kick Off: 3.00pm
Crown Oil Arena
Spotland
Rochdale