It will be the first ever meeting between the sides, and unlike U’s last three league encounters which have seen them playing sides at the top of the recent form table, Rochdale have not been in such good form recently and are without a win in their last six games, although the last week has seen them pick up good away draws at Swindon and Salford, only denied a win at Swindon by a last minute goal from Jonny Williams as he warmed up for his match winning performance at Sutton on Tuesday.

Managed since July by Robbie Stockdale, most recently coach to Sam Allardyce at West Brom, Rochdale have won once at the Crown Oil Arena this season, against Tranmere, and players in the squad who may be familiar to Sutton fans include striker Jake Beesley, who was previously with Solihull, and midfielder Alex Newby who has played against U’s for Chorley.

Sutton will be without Harry Beautyman, who dislocated his shoulder on Tuesday, and will wait to see if either Craig Eastmond or Kenny Davis have recovered from their injuries sufficiently to come in to the midfield.

Tickets will be on sale at the Crown Oil Arena on the day. You can buy them from 12.30pm from the Portakabin in the car park opposite the five-a-side pitch – cash sales only.

Prices are: Adults £22; Age 65+ £17; Under 21 £14; Under 11 £7. All accommodation is seated.

Wheelchair users and ambulant disabled are admitted for the relevant price for their category, with a carer admitted free, although for ambulant disabled proof of carer status or middle to higher band of disability is required for free admission.

The Supporters’ Club coach will be leaving at 7.45am.

There are no trains through Rochdale on Saturday, but trams or a rail replacement bus service are running from Manchester Victoria, and you can get to Manchester Victoria from Manchester Piccadilly by tram. Total journey time from Piccadilly is around an hour. There is a fairly frequent service from Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, taking just over two hours. The ground is just over two miles from the town centre (the tram terminus) or the station, and taxis are available from the station.

By car leave the M62 at junction 20 and follow signs for Rochdale along the A627(M). At the first set of traffic lights keep left, sign posted Bury and Rochdale Town Centre. Bunnings Warehouse will be on your right hand side, follow this road until the next set of traffic lights. Here you need to be in the second lane of four lanes, to head straight across (sign posted Blackburn). Follow this road (Roch Valley Way) until the next set of traffic lights, remaining in the left hand lane. At the traffic lights go straight ahead on to Sandy Lane (the Cemetery pub should be on your right hand side). Continue along this road and the Stadium is on your right hand side after approximately half a mile. There is no on site parking for supporters but side street parking is available. Parking restrictions are in place in yellow coned areas.

We will have an audio commentary on the game on our iFollow system, price £2.50, and you can buy a match pass here.