FORMER Wolves winger Paul Simpson's Rochdale have impressed in the FA Cup this season but not so much in Division Three.

Despite being tipped as promotion challengers, Dale are in lower mid-table though a winning run from games in hand could improve matters.

They defeated Peterborough, Bristol Rovers, Preston and Coventry in England's top cup competition before losing 3-1 at Wolves in the fifth round.

However, their league form has been inconsistent though they gained a useful 2-2 draw at Cambridge United on Tuesday.

Saturday will be Rochdale's first game at Spotland since a surprise 1-0 defeat to Carlisle on February 22.

Simpson has scored 10 goals on the pitch as has Lee McEvilly but top scorer is Paul Connor on 11.

Defender Matt Doughty and midfielder Michael Oliver are fresh doubts with hamstring strains.