Our third-round tie against the League One side is the first of three matches to take place in eight days, which includes Arsenal in the Premier League and a European away day against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Wednesday's game could see the return of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has been out of action since withdrawing from the France national team with an ankle injury. “He'll probably get some minutes against Rochdale,” the boss said. “But we definitely think he’s ready for Arsenal.”

The World Cup winner should be available for the midweek contest if the manager opts for his experience in the middle of the park.