Shakers will beat Rochdale says Sodje

Bury defender Efe Sodje is promising the Shakers will beat Rochdale in the upcoming derby match.

The former Nigerian international, 38, is in a confident mood ahead of this weekend's clash at Gigg Lane.

"It's going to be a big test on Saturday, but as I always say we're going to win it," the centre-back told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I just want it to be a good game, it's not going to be nervy and we will win, simple as that."

Bury currently lie 16th in League One following their promotion last season and have made a steady start as Richie Barker begins his first full season in management.

Rochdale on the other hand have struggled under new manager Steve Eyre so far, picking up just two points.

Despite a win at Premier League side QPR in the League Cup, Dale are yet to taste victory in the league this campaign

The two clubs last met in February 2010 when a Ryan Lowe goal gave the Shakers all three points, in what was then a clash at the top of League Two.

London-born defender Sodje, who signed a new two-year deal at Gigg Lane in the summer, is expecting a tight East Lancashire derby with both sides in the bottom half of the table.

"Obviously it's going to be a big game because they've not won a game and we've lost our last three games," he added.

"We know it's a massive game and our boys will be ready for it.

"We don't have anything to prove. I think people should try and get the negative thing out of there head that because we've lost [Damien] Mozika and [Ryan] Lowey that we can't perform any more."