DEWSBURY RAMS v ROCHDALE HORNETS

RAMS boss Andy Fisher aims to wipe away their disappointing midweek defeat at the hands of Oldham, by doing the double on Rochdale.

Dewsbury beat Hornets in the Northern Ford Premiership clash at the beginnings of February and Fisher feels they can repeat that performance again in their Buddies National League Cup (Central) clash.

"Rochdale will want revenge, but we should be able to turn out a much stronger side against them than we did against Oldham,'' said Fisher, who expects Richard Slater and Chris Chapman to have overcome their cold problems, although he may well have to work without Nathan Batty (knee), Andy Speak and Mark Hawksley, who were all injured in the defeat.

Also missing is Ryan Hardy, who dislocated a shoulder in the win over Batley on Good Friday.

Rochdale could make a number of changes to their line-up, with Andy Ireland and Darren Robinson among the possibilities, while Dave Watson's impressive game at full back against Oldham on Good Friday could guarantee him another spot as last line of defence.

But tough centre Brendan O'Meara is undergoing intensive treatment on a shoulder injury and is extremely doubtful to play against his former club.

HULL KR v SHEFFIELD EAGLES

THE Robins head for their third straight win in the Buddies National League Cup (East) with Aussies Adrian Rainey and Dane Dorahy set to bolster the side.

Coach Gary Wilkinson, keen to stake a place in the quarterfinals, is set to name a strong side against Sheffield Eagles, who make their first appearance in the competition.

"It's important that we keep the ball rolling and keep on top of our game. Sheffield will be fresh from their ten-day break so we must not under-estimate them,'' said Wilkinson.

The Eagles are expected to introduce new signing Mick Docherty from York in their line-up, along with possibly Andy Brent, Paul Wells, Ryan Knight, Lee Bettinson and Gareth Dobson.

Coach Mark Aston, who is still considering the possibility of playing himself, believes new 22-year-old prop Docherty could turn out to be a match-winner.

"He has really impressed in training and looks the part. And he can kick goals too, which is an added bonus,'' said Aston.

"As for the other possible changes I may make, I shall do them more on a need to know basis. It's vital that we keep everyone on their toes and the fact that we have a good squad means that everyone must be at their best in order to keep their place in the side,'' said Aston.

GATESHEAD THUNDER v FEATHERSTONE ROVERS

HOSTS Gateshead plan to hand another player his debut chance in their Buddies National Cup clash with Featherstone.

Last week they introduced former England students centre Rob Keegan to the side and he quickly made an impression by scoring on his debut and winning the man of the match award.

This week caretaker coach Paul Fletcher hands 21-year-old former Great Britain students' second row forward Sam Tunnell his chance to emulate Keegan's first start.

"Sam is another promising youngster who I expect could make his mark in the game,'' said Fletcher, who had to release prop Damian Kennedy, hooker Jon Wainhouse and second row forward Ryan Bailey to Leeds last weekend following their loan spell with Thunder.

"I had hoped that they could stay a while longer, because all three were proving a big influence on the team, even though they are still in their teens,'' said Fletcher.

Featherstone, remembering that they could only scrape a pre-Christmas draw at Gateshead in their Northern Ford Premiership clash, must find some reserves if they are not to stumble again.

With prop Ian Tonks banned for two matches by the Rugby League Disciplinary Committee following his sending off at Oldham, coach Ian Fairhurst has ruled him out of the equation.

And with Jamie Stokes (ankle) and Jamie Coventry (hamstring) also ruled out, Fairhurst may be forced to rely on such squad players Danny Evans, Steve Dooler and Ricky Halliwell to pull Rovers through.

"This Gateshead side are an unknown quantity to that which we faced before Christmas, but I feel sure that they will not be short on effort,'' warned Fairhurst, who may have to once again put his trust in the talented Jamie Rooney to ensure victory.

KEIGHLEY COUGARS v DONCASTER DRAGONS

HARD-PRESSED Keighley could find it extremely difficult to shake off the challenge from in-form Doncaster in their Buddies National League Cup (East)
at Cougar Park.

Coach Gary Moorby doesn't foresee any changes to his side, mainly because of the lack of strength in depth, so Keighley are, therefore, on another hiding to nothing.

Craig Horne, who came through his return game against Hull KR with no ill effects, and local product Mathew Steel, who made his first team debut in the same game, are expected to start the match.

Moorby has also had to release Leeds Academy players Tommy Gallagher and Craig Stanley from their loan spell, which doesn't help his situation.

Doncaster, whose rise into the top section isn't far away, could have Chris Ross, Tony Atter and Richard Baker back in their line-up while Jason Lee (leg) may need a fitness test.

"I'm so pleased with the attitude of our squad. Everyone is working hard to get Doncaster back to the top and I feel sure we will achieve that goal,'' said coach St John Ellis, who will have influential Paul Mansson in the side after being found not guilty of the offence for which he was sent off at Rochdale two weeks ago.

BARROW RAIDERS v SWINTON LIONS

THE Raiders must be favourites to win their Buddies National League Cup (West) clash with the Lions, following their splendid win on Easter Monday.

Even though Workington sent a below-strength side, Barrow coasted to one of their biggest wins of the season so far.

"We deserved the spoils,'' said coach Cameron Bell. "It's been coming for a while and we took full advantage of the situation.''

And following that result Bell feels he may well give that side a vote of confidence.

"I don't see any need for change at this moment in time, so my gut feeling is to go with the same line-up,'' he said.

Swinton, who were brought to their knees at Leigh, could make a few changes with Andy Leatham, Dale Holdstock and Rob Russell all struggling with injuries.

So Gareth Pratt may make his debut against his former club, while Craig Dean is set to grab a place in the side.

And winger Jason Roach could well reach a major milestone, if he manages to cross the whitewash again.

Roach scored his ninety-ninth try at Leigh and given half a chance he should reach the 100-mark on Sunday.

CHORLEY LYNX v WHITEHAVEN

EVER-STRIVING Chorley are hoping to rise to the occasion for a second time against Whitehaven.

This Buddies National League Cup (West) clash has all the ingredients of another David and Goliath situation, but can they pull off a second shock?

"We caught Whitehaven cold before Christmas in the Northern Ford Premiership game, now it is up to the players to show it wasn't a fluke,'' said coach Graeme West, who brings Simon Smith into the second row and will choose either Warrington on-loan player Paul Noone or Dean Cross at centre,

Recent signing Martin Gambles from Gateshead is expected to continue at scrum half, with goal-kicker Liam Jones as his partner.

Whitehaven will be without Chris McKinney and Spencer Miller, who both suffered broken bones in the tough Good Friday tussle at Workington. McKinney snapped an ankle, while Miller has a broken thumb.

"We will just have to shake off the problem and re-adjust,'' said Whitehaven coach Paul Cullen, who believes his side must reflect on the past if they are not to slip up at Chorley again.

"We didn't get off the bus last time, but that doesn't detract from their performance on the day,'' said Cullen.

LEIGH CENTURIONS v WORKINGTON TOWN

BUDDIES National League Cup joint-favourites Leigh will hand John Duffy his return debut chance against Cumbrians Workington.

With Simon Svabic and Lee Sanderson both ruled out with long-term injuries, ex-Chorley scrum half Duffy's surprise recall to Hilton Park should breach the gap.

Centre Paul Anderson (pinched nerve) and star full back Neil Turley (ankle) pose the immediate problems for coach Paul Terzis, who may otherwise hang his hopes on the side that whipped Swinton last weekend.

But Workington player-coach Martin Wood is likely to recall the handful of experienced players he left out against Barrow, for this clash with top-side Leigh.

Tane Manihera, Anthony Samuel, Gary Charlton, Kevin Hetherington and Wood himself are almost certain to play as Town seek, what could be the last chance, to clinch a place in the quarterfinals.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS v OLDHAM

IMPRESSIVE half back Chris Thorman will miss the Buddies National League Cup (Central) clash with Oldham.

Thorman picked up a head injury in the win over Batley on Easter Monday, leaving Wakefield-based Mark Moxon to stake his claim on the number seven shirt again.

Ex-Hull favourite Stanley Gene is set to return to the side along with rugged forward Heath Cruckshank, as coach Tony Smith prepares to turn the screw on Oldham.

"I still want to use the rotation system, but I don't want to weaken the side if I can help it,'' said Smith.

Oldham will be without winger Joe McNicholas and forward Phil Farrell, while utility player Dave Gibbons, Keith Brennan and Bryan Henare all face fitness tests, according to coach John Harbin, who was delighted with the performance of new signing Chris Campbell over Easter.

"He put some pep into the backs and will be a very good signing,'' said Harbin.