As this is the first time we’ve played against The Dale in a competitive fixture since an FA Cup tie in 1986, we want to help you familiarise yourself with the opposition.
Here, we profile four key men from Brian Barry-Murphy's side...
GOALKEEPER
ROBERT SANCHEZ Born in Cartagena, Spain, Sanchez idolised Iker Casillas, spending hours trying to perfect the Real Madrid star’s quality with both hands and feet. Moving from the Levante Academy to Brighton aged 15 proved a formative experience for the towering 6ft 6in custodian.
Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez joined Rochdale on loan this summer and has already established himself as Barry-Murphy’s first-choice stopper.