Fleetwood Town boss may make alterations for Rochdale encounter

Simon Grayson admits there may well be changes to his Fleetwood Town side as they prepare to meet Rochdale this afternoon.
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Town host League One’s bottom team (3pm) on the back of Easter Monday’s win over another struggling club in AFC Wimbledon.

The heavy fixture schedule is beginning to take a toll and Grayson isn’t surprised to see players developing a few knocks.

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He said: “One or two might miss the game and one or two might be back in the squad.

Harrison Holgate could be a doubt for Fleetwood Town Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images LimitedHarrison Holgate could be a doubt for Fleetwood Town Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images Limited
Harrison Holgate could be a doubt for Fleetwood Town Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images Limited
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“Mark Duffy hasn’t been in the squad recently but it looks like he could be available.

“We’ll assess everyone but one or two look like they have picked up injuries. Harrison Holgate went off injured on Monday and he’ll be touch and go.

“It’s just what you get at this stage of the season, players have been playing with knocks for the last few weeks.

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“It’s just about getting them on the training pitch when you can but, more importantly, for a matchday.”

Town face another side battling relegation this afternoon but Rochdale are a slightly different prospect to AFC Wimbledon.

Dale are more known for playing out from the back than the Dons, something which has previously played into the Cod Army’s hands.

Grayson, however, feels that Brian Barry-Murphy’s side can also play a bit more directly if required.

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He said: “They’re two different types of teams, different systems, but they’ve both got one thing in common and that is they’re both fighting for their lives.

“Neither of those teams want to be in League Two and both teams can cause you major threats if you’re not at it and you’re not asking questions for them.

“They’re playing for their own futures, whether that’s playing for their own football club or for their futures elsewhere.

“Rochdale have always played attractive football, we have to be aware of whatever style of football they’re going to play.

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“If they go from back to front – a little bit more direct – we have to be prepared to deal with that. If they want to play out from the back, we have to deal with that.

“It’s a real tough game for us, as Peterbrough was, who are in the top two.

“At this stage of the season, there aren’t too many dead rubber games.

“You might get to the last three or four games of the season where there isn’t much riding on one or two, but we’ve been involved in games recently where the top end of the table matters.”

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