By Scott Cooper
August 22 2004

IF THERE was ever a game Wolves could do without, this is it. An incredibly depleted Wolves side travel to Spotland as the Carling Cup balls threw up an away tie at Rochdale.

MATCH DAY INFO
FIXTURE	Rochdale Vs Wolves
STADIUM	Spotland
LOCATION	Rochdale
COMPETITION	Carling Cup #1
DATE	13.08.04
KICK OFF	19.45 - Live SS2

IF THERE was ever a game Wolves could do without, this is it. An incredibly depleted Wolves side travel to Spotland as the Carling Cup balls threw up an away tie at Rochdale.

This game could involve excuses made before the game. Incredibly, Wolves injury problems are so serious that substitute Goalkeeper Michael Oakes may be forced to play as a left-back as Lee Naylor struggles to overcome his back injury.

Wolves finished the game against Burnley on Saturday with two more injuries. Colin Cameron and Kenny Miller both picked up knocks during the game and Joleon Lescott, who was forced to play his first game since the 2003 Play-Off final, will not be fit enough for this game.

Defenders Joleon Lescott joins Bjorklund and Naylor to miss the game whilst Matt Murray, Mark Kennedy, George Ndah, Vio Ganea, Dean Sturridge and Carl Cort will all sit out with long-term injuries. 

Kevin Cooper and Kenny Miller will have to undergo a late fitness test following a niggling thigh injury and a calf injury respectively.

With the injury problems as severe as they are and with the Youth Team away in Holland, Dave Jones will be forced to play many of his players who would not have taken part if matters were different. 

Keith Andrews looks certain to start whilst Mulligan and Lowe could both make their first ever starts for the first team. Michael Oakes will hope he is not called into action, but the Goalkeeper will be ready to play at left-back if needed. 

Who's Hot, Who's Not.
Hot	Keith Andrews - The Irish Midfielder will be looking to cement his place in the squad after playing on Loan for Walsall last season.
Not	Vio Ganea - Out injured for the season.
Crocked	Naylor, Ganea, Cort, Murray, Bjorklund, Kennedy, Ndah, Sturridge. Cooper, Miller will take late fitness tests.
Possible Line-Up	Jones, Edwards, Lowe, Clyde, Craddock, Cameron, Newton, Olofinjana, Andrews, Miller, Clarke.
Subs (From)	Oakes, Cooper, Bjorklund, Clingan, Mulligan
Prediction League Latest *	Prediction League Not Active For CC Games.

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