Premiership opposition next up for Dale

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Chris Basham could return to Spotland in Bolton colours

Rochdale take on premiership side Bolton Wanderers in a pre-season friendly tomorrow night (Friday 24 July). The game kicks off at 7.30pm at Spotland and the Trotters are likely to name a strong side to take on Dale in what is their first pre-season game.

Dale have enjoyed a low key start to pre-season, following up the 6-0 thrashing of Rossendale last Saturday with a goaless draw against Stockport on Tuesday night. Dale fielded what is arguably their strongest side against the Hatters and the same team is likely to feature against Bolton, with some of the squad players likely to be given a full ninety minutes at Northwich Victoria the day after.

Dale fans may get to see Chris Basham in action for Bolton, after he spent the back end of last season on loan for Rochdale. Indeed, Keith Hill has been keeping close tabs on the midfielder over the summer and has not ruled out a loan move or even a permanent transfer for the man that helped Dale reach the League Two play-offs last term.

Bolton fans are awaiting news as to whether or not wantaway striker El Hadji Diouf will be in the squad, with a departure looking imminent if he doesn't feature.

Trotters new boy Fabrice Muamba is likely to feature. The £5million signing is expected to wear the Bolton shirt for the first time alongside fellow debutant and big money summer signing Johan Elmander. Abdoulaye Meite will also play a part despite being the subject of transfer rumours linking him with Hull City and West Brom. Despite falling out with Gary Megson last season, the Bolton boss will not sell him for less than £2million and Hull and West Brom's were not up to scratch.

The game is Dale's last friendly at Spotland so home fans will not get the chance to see Keith Hill's side in action again until Oldham travel to Spotland for the first round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday 12 August.

Prices for the game are £12 adults and £6 concessions for seated areas and £10 and £6 for supporters wishing to stand on the Sandy Lane end.