Rochdale
- Rochdale have a formidable home record in the National League this season with nine wins from 11 games.
- Rochdale have scored an average of 2.09 goals per game at home this season.
- Jim McNulty’s side are flying high with 61 points from 25 games, putting them second in the National League table.
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Rochdale are on a three-game winning streak after victories to nil against Gateshead, Solihull Moors and Truro City.
- Gateshead (win to nil)
- Solihull Moors (win to nil)
- Truro City (win to nil)
- They are a possession-first side with a flexible 4-4-2 structure that allows them to build up in a structured manner and probe patiently before switching the pace and hitting their wide players in behind.
Southend United
- Southend’s most recent result was a 4-1 home win over Eastleigh.
- Kevin Maher’s men are on a five-game unbeaten streak.
- Kevin Maher’s men have 46 points from 26 matches.
- United’s wing-backs are aggressive and get forward well to support two strikers in a 3-5-2 system that sets up well for a high-pressing system and a game where they can thrive in transition.
Head-to-Head
- Southend United beat Rochdale 4-3 away in the most recent National League meeting between the clubs eight months ago.
- Both are recent ex-EFL sides pushing for the playoff spots and looking to take bragging rights from this clash.
Key Players
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Rochdale
- Emmanuel Dieseruvwe leads the way for the hosts with 12 goals in 18 National League appearances this campaign.
- Tyler Smith has scored twice in his last four for the club as they’ve bagged six goals in that run.
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Southend
- Andrew Dallas is the main man for Southend United with seven in 22 this year in the league.
Betting Insights
- Rochdale are the slight favorites at 2.3.
- Southend are available at 3.1 and the draw at 3.25.
- Kevin Maher’s men can be a bit of value to repeat the 4-3 result, but our selection will be for a Rochdale win.
- With both sides showing defensive solidity in recent games, we are taking the under 2.5 goals option at 1.83 as the safer play.
Prediction
- We will take Rochdale to edge a tight affair at Spotland.
- Southend’s five-game unbeaten run may be in danger against a strong home side.
