Salford City will look to strengthen their position in the top half of the League Two table on Tuesday, when they make the short trip to take on Rochdale.

The visitors have climbed to 11th spot recently, thanks to a six-game unbeaten run, while their hosts sit 18th, eight points above the drop zone.

Match preview

While they may already feel safe from the threat of relegation from League Two this season, Rochdale have not gained any ground in their bid to secure their survival, having earned just one point from their last three matches.

Wins over Scunthorpe United and Northampton Town, either side of a creditable draw with Port Vale, in February saw Robbie Stockdale's side build a healthy lead over the division's strugglers, but they were followed by back-to-back defeats, firstly losing 2-0 away at Carlisle United.

An Enzio Boldewijn brace and a Joe Kizzi goal then condemned them to a 3-0 thrashing away at Sutton United, before the Lancashire outfit were, at least, able to stop a losing run from growing as they played out a goalless draw with 21st-placed Barrow at the weekend.

Although it would require a drastic change to the bottom of the table for Rochdale to be dragged deep into the mix, Colchester United have gone level on points with Stockdale's men thanks to consecutive wins, and the Dale will be keen to post a victory to ensure they do not drop any further in the division with 12 games left to play.

They face a tough test though, as Salford City arrive looking to stretch a six-game unbeaten run.

While the visitors will likely not be classed as being in the race for the playoffs currently, they have kept their faint hopes alive with an upturn in form, winning three of their last six games and drawing the other three.

Gary Bowyer's men have most recently played out commendable draws with high-flying duo Forest Green Rovers and Exeter City, following back-to-back away wins over Swindon Town and Leyton Orient.

Thanks to their impressive run, the Ammies have climbed back up to 11th spot, now trailing the playoff places by eight points with a game in hand on seventh-placed Sutton United.

While that means they are very much on the outside of the battle for a top-seven finish, Bowyer's men are in a position where they can play without any real pressure, and they will hope to continue their run to keep a slim chance of bursting through the pack in the final straight of the campaign.

Team News

Rochdale will remain without Josh Andrews, Paul Downing and Max Taylor, as the trio continue to battle through injuries.

The absences of Downing and Taylor means that Stockdale could again field a back three of Jimmy Keohane, Eoghan O'Connell and Jeriel Dorsett, while experienced defender Jimmy McNulty is another option to bring in.

Matt Done was brought back into the starting XI last time out, and he may continue to lead the line alongside Tahvon Campbell, although Alex Newby will also be vying for a spot in the attack.

The visitors have injuries of their own to deal with, as key defender Ashley Eastham is confined to the treatment room alongside midfielder Matty Willock and forward Josh Morris.

Theo Vassell will again partner Jordan Turnbull in Eastham's absence, with Jason Lowe and Corrie Ndaba completing a strong back four.

Target man Matt Smith was an eye-catching addition in January, and the striker will search for a third goal for the Ammies with the support of Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Rochdale possible starting lineup:
Lynch; Keohane, O'Connell, Dorsett; O'Keefe, Broadbent, Dooley, Clark; Newby, Campbell, Done

Salford City possible starting lineup:
King; Lowe, Vassell, Turnbull, Ndaba; Lund, Kelly, Watson; Thomas-Asante, Smith, Hunter

We say: Rochdale 0-2 Salford City

Gary Bowyer's side have certainly shown their quality recently, and we back them to outclass a faltering Rochdale side on Tuesday.

As it stands, the visitors have far more to play for, and the incentive of climbing towards the top seven should inspire a talented Ammies squad.

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