ECHOSPORT chats to Rochdale fan Paul Smith-Markl ahead of tomorrow’s game.

What have you made of Rochdale’s season so far?

"A slow start is probably the best way to describe it.

"We had been playing well in games and we were never being outplayed or outclassed but individual mistakes were costing us points.

"Keith Hill brought in a couple of more experienced players into a youthful side which has seen the mistakes cut to a minimum and an upturn in fortunes.

"Four wins out of four against teams who should be in or around the top six at the end of the season with massive budgets demonstrates just what a fantastic manager we have in Keith Hill.

"The teams he is able to assemble and the football they produce on such a small budget is nothing short of spectacular."

What are the expectations for Rochdale this season?

"League One survival first and foremost.

"If we remain as a League One club, it can be classed as a good season.

"However, with the team we have, there is absolutely no reason why we can't be looking up at the play off places rather than down.

"I believe we'll finish somewhere in the top half."

What has been behind the recent improvements in results?

"It's difficult to pinpoint just one thing as there has been a variety of changes to the team, mainly due to a never ending list of injuries.

"The individual mistakes seem to have been ironed out, our striker turned left back has a wicked cross which the big lads seem to be meeting, Steven Davies has added another option to our attack and just in general, the confidence from the first league win against Fleetwood seems to have been all that we needed to really get the ball rolling."

Echo:

Rochdale fan Paul Smith-Markl

Who do Southend need to keep an eye on at the weekend?

"Calvin Andrew has been having an excellent season so far, a real handful for defenders and has been unplayable at times."

What’s the team news ahead of the game?

"Our usual threat upfront of Ian Henderson is likely to miss the game due to suffering concussion last week against Bolton.

"Steven Davies left the field early on Tuesday against Notts County so he is doubtful.

"The defence and midfield are likely to remain the same as the past few league games.

"Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could return from injury and a couple of the younger lads may feature on the bench after a good performance midweek against Notts County. "

What’s the predicted line up?

Lillis, Rafferty, Keane, Canavan, Bunney Thompson, Camps, Allen, Lund Andrew, Davies

Davies left the field early on Tuesday night so we could possibly see Nathaniel Mendez-Laing or Sanmi Odelusi start in his place if unfit.