Match Preview: Plymouth Argyle v Rochdale

Plymouth Argyle v Rochdale

Sky Bet League Two, Saturday 24 August 2013, kick-off 3pm

The Pilgrims entertain Rochdale at Home Park on Saturday lifted by last weekend's victory at Cheltenham and this week's approval of the £50m stadium and Higher Home Park redevelopment plans.

After taking three precious points from the Gloucestershire side, John Sheridan will be expecting his players to show similar form and commitment in front of the home fans.

A first home win of the season would continue to steady the ship after a rocky start to 2013-14.

Rochdale are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill, who spent four years at Plymouth, between 1992 and 1996, after which he moved to the Greater Manchester club. His side lie ninth in League Two, after a somewhat middling start to the season with one win, one draw and one defeat. They drew 2-2 against Chesterfield last Saturday.

The corresponding fixture last year was a game of three penalties - Guy Madjo twice converting from the spot and Jake Cole saving Rochdale's spot kick. The match ended 3-1 to Argyle, but the Greens were to lose 1-0 away at The Dale in April as they battled for Football League survival.

With his new signings beginning to gel, Sheridan remains confident of his side's ability to chase for promotion this year and victory on Saturday would provide more evidence of that.