Collins set for Cobblers bow
Northampton could hand a debut to Lee Collins when Rochdale visit Sixfields.
The versatile defender, who counts Wolves and Barnsley among his former clubs, had been training with the club this week and signed a contract until the end of the season on Friday.
The Cobblers could also have John Johnson back in action. The full-back, who has been an unused substitute recently after several weeks out with a knee injury, played 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors practice match this week.
Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd told the media: "John is fit but he's still got some work to do behind the scenes.
"We want to get as many games in for him as we can but he might even be able to build up his match fitness by playing in the first team.
"I wouldn't say that we've missed him because Ben Tozer has been absolutely outstanding, but having Jonno back gives me different options."
Recent signing Roy O'Donovan made his debut as a half-time substitute during the 3-1 defeat at Rotherham last Saturday and the striker could be in line to make his home bow.
O'Donovan, like Johnson, played in the behind-closed-doors game at Stoke on Tuesday afternoon to build up his fitness.
Rochdale will be without Bobby Grant as the forward begins a four-match ban.
Grant scored a superb equaliser in Dale's 1-1 draw with Chesterfield last weekend, only to collect his second red card of the season in the closing stages for a late lunge on Sam Togwell.
Terry Gornell may be an option for boss Keith Hill in Grant's absence, but the former Shrewsbury man must recover from a dead-leg he sustained in the goalless draw at Cheltenham a fortnight ago and ruled him out of contention to face the Spireites.
Defender Peter Cavanagh was also absent last week due to a calf strain and will be assessed before the trip to Sixfields.
It is five games since Rochdale tasted victory, with Hill having stopped the rot of three consecutive defeats thanks to back-to-back draws since returning to Spotland as John Coleman's successor.
Source: PA
Source: PA