Davy has been doing well with the Stags and his experience will be vital as we look to stabilise the ship. Ian Wilson also comes in to repalce the unavailable Peter Hodgson and he'll partner Jamie Connolly in the centre.

Scott Jordan returns at full back and Chocky Davies returns in the second row after a starring role for the Stags last week.

Cleck will no doubt be eager to get their own back but will travel in true festive spirit and keen to have a Christmas celebration - win, lose or draw. Their travelling alicadoos, with their quietly restrained blazers, should at least complement the Xmas decorations! They're an entertaining bunch who know how to enjoy themselves.

Frankly, both clubs could do with a bit of light relief. Both are in the bottom three with Rochdale opening up a gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

There are a lot of points still to be fought for so whoever triumphs in the pre-Christmas clash will at least have some renewed hope.

Cleckheaton have dangerman full back Ross Hayden in the team.

West: Scott Jordan, Darren Thomas, Ian Wilson, Jamie Connolly, Colin Cheslin, Paul Moss, Davy Tigher, Anth Carr, Andrew Dixon, John Greenwell, Chocky Davies, Tom Dixon, Dan Boatman, Jon Boatman, Adam Howard. Reps: Paul Rudd, dave Garside, Tom Wilson.

Cleckheaton 15 Ross Hayden 14 Mitch Ashworth 13 Matt Piper 12 Owen Edwards 11 Joe Massarella 10 Pete Murphy 9 Ollie Deplidge 1 Paul Turner [capt] 2 Steve Worsley 3 Carl Mason 4 Ryan Piercy 5 Matt Burrows 6 Richard Piper 7 Geoff Jones 8 Lance Hamilton 16 Tom Clough 17 Andrew Piper 18 Tom Whitehead