Live Commentary

Dale wait on Long Kevin Long is a major doubt for Rochdale as they look to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat at Yeovil against promotion-chasing Sheffield United. The on-loan Burnley defender was substituted 27 minutes into the game at Huish Park after taking a blow to his Achilles tendon and will be assessed ahead of the Blades' visit. Teenager Neill Byrne, who came on to replace Long, is favourite to start in place of the defender as he looks to stake a claim in the first team after making his debut in the 3-3 draw with Walsall at Spotland last weekend. Joe Thompson was named among the substitutes against the Glovers after a month out of the first-team squad, while fellow midfielder Sean McConville could make his first start since joining on loan from Stockport. Dale are 11 points from safety and could have their relegation to npower League Two confirmed if they fail to win and results go against them. United have no new injury concerns as they seek to continue their run of four-straight league victories. The Blades moved back ahead of their city rivals Sheffield Wednesday with a 2-1 home victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, and with no injuries or suspensions manager Danny Wilson looks likely to stick with the winning formula. Striker Richard Cresswell showed no signs of concern following a recent broken nose, scoring United's crucial second goal agains the Cherries. And although he was replaced by on-loan winger Michael O'Halloran 12 minutes into the second half, the switch seemed precautionary and he is expected to start alongside leading npower Championship goalscorer Ched Evans. O'Halloran, on loan from Bolton, will be eager for his first start, however, after three consecutive substitute appearances.