Dale are back on the travels after two home matches as we head to Walsall.
Our hosts come into the game unbeaten with two wins and three draws to begin the campaign. The Saddlers sit in the playoff positions, three points off top spot.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets for the game are on sale via our ticketing site Fanbase, available online until 4pm on Friday. Tickets will be sent to Walsall’s ticket office after this time. Please note that any QR codes you may have received will not work at the turnstiles.
There is a price increase of £2.00 if purchased on matchday along with a 50p print charge fee, subject to availability.
Click HERE for the full details.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Dale Player is your place to keep up to date with the action, bringing you live audio direct from Walsall.
Supporters who have subscribed to Dale Player in our previous two seasons must sign up with a new account.
Overseas supporters can watch the game in full. Supporters must note that due to 3pm blackout rules, The Ratcliffe will not be showing the match.
Click HERE to sign up for monthly or yearly passes.
PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW
Head Coach Ian Watson talked through injuries, the supporters and previewed the task of facing Walsall.
You can read what he had to say HERE, with a link to the full interview included.
TEAM NEWS
In his pre-match interview, Ian admitted that Laurence Maguire and Cian Hayes returned to training but will need to build up their fitness first.
Sam Beckwith is getting closer but will remain on the sidelines for a few more weeks. Bryant Bilongo is also out, whilst Ed Francis serves his one-match suspension.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Ryan East join Casey Pettit and Will Jenkins as the long-term absentees.
New signing Aden Flint is eligible for selection.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Walsall are into their eighth season in the fourth tier, the joint-third longest tenure at this level, behind Newport County (14) and Colchester United (11). Their closest chance of promotion came in the 2024/25 season. Mat Sadler’s team were 12 points clear at the top of the table in January, going on to surrender that lead and finish the campaign in fourth. They got the better of Chesterfield in the semi-finals, losing out narrowly to AFC Wimbledon in the final. They failed to build on this last season, coming 13th after 18 victories in 46 games. The beginning of this campaign has been promising, with a big win on opening day setting the team on to an unbeaten run.
Manager – Lee Grant – 43yo, appointed May 2026. The former goalkeeper took his second managerial job during the summer, following a eight months at Huddersfield Town last term in League One. He ended his distinguished playing career at Manchester United as a third ‘keeper, moving to a coaching role with Ipswich Town in 2022 as a First Team coach.
Last Game – Exeter City 0-0 Walsall.
Top League Goalscorer (2026/27) – Aaron Pressley (4).
New Signings
Jed Ward (GK).
Tom Wooster (GK).
Roman Dixon (RB).
James Connolly (CB).
Ryan Leak (CB).
Declan Skura (CB).
James Furlong (LB).
Lewis Simper (CM).
Sven Sprangler (CM).
Isaac Moore (CM).
Antony Evans (CM).
Charlie Crew (CM).
Andy Dallas (FW).
Tai Sodje (FW).
Reece Smith (FW).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
One player in the Dale ranks that has previously donned the red of Walsall is Devante Rodney. In January 2022, the forward signed for the League Two side from Port Vale, making 14 appearances before joining Dale that upcoming summer.
Some former players include Paul Downing, Paul McShane and Eoghan O’Connell.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 69
Rochdale Wins – 27
Draws – 18
Walsall Wins – 24
Most recent matchup – Dale 4-2 Walsall (7th April 2023).
First ever matchup – Dale 7-0 Walsall (24th December 1921).
PALLET-TRACK BESCOT STADIUM
Our hosts have put together a helpful first time visitors guide, which you can read through HERE.
OFFICIALS
Referee | Jamie O’Connor.
Assistants | Marc Wilson & James Wilson.
Fourth Official | Matthew Parry.
