Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman is out to finally get one over on Rochdale – a team who have a strong record against the Reds.
Dale have beat Stanley in the last six league meetings but Coleman says this counts for nothing as the two go head-to-head tomorrow at the Wham Stadium.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s side have won one of their four League One encounters so far this season, beating Fleetwood last Saturday.
“I don’t subscribe to bogey teams,” said the Reds boss. “I think you can make them bogey teams yourself as it’s all in your head.
“What I know is that we shouldn’t have lost our last six against them, three or four of them we should have won hands down and sometimes you need a little bit of luck along the way and hopefully we will get it tomorrow.
“Rochdale play some good football, I have watched them play plenty of times this season already on videos and they are very impressive but we can be impressive when we get it right.
“They have good players, good energy, a good work ethic and a smashing manager.
“Brian played for me and he is a great lad, a great sporting person and great company so I am looking forward to having a drink with him after the game - hopefully in better circumstances than the last few times!”
Coleman managed at Spotland in 2012 and said: “Rochdale are a good club, it was an opportunity for me when I went there.
“I don’t think it went badly, it was part of my learning curve as a manager and I wish them all the best except when they play us.”
Colby Bishop was back on the scoresheet in the EFL Trophy group game against Blackpool midweek – his first goal since December after injuries hampered the striker last season and the start of this season.
“Colby was on fire when he came back in pre-season and then suffered a freak injury which kept him out for a month but he will get stronger.
“I was good for him to get on the scoresheet although he did leave the ground unhappy because he had missed a penalty – I understand that as a former striker as you want to score on every occasion.”
Coleman has brought in Chelsea loan keeper Nathan Baxter and defender Michael Nottingham on a permanent deal from Blackpool today and they will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's game.
"They bring competition. Players realise they have got to be on their toes to make our squad never mind our team.
"The players who have got the shirts should feel blessed and do their utmost to keep the shirt. We hav got a good squad with a good feeling around the place."
The game is too early for Sean McConville although Coleman says he is looking strong in training while Dion Charles is still suspended.