Fleetwood Town vs Rochdale Predictions

Saturday’s League One action includes a meeting between two of the league’s most erratically performing sides at present. Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town side hope to keep themselves in the playoff picture after their midweek break drops them to 7th in the table. Meanwhile, Rochdale will try to put last week’s 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Peterborough behind them. 

Both of these teams rely heavily on their attacking quality. Fleetwood have failed to score in just one game this season. Fleetwood’s attack oriented nature often comes to the detriment of their defense, however. Fleetwood have also managed to secure just one clean sheet from their opening 8 league fixtures.

Fleetwood’s attacking quality is undoubtedly good enough to cement them as playoff contenders. It is their defensive stability that raises doubt. With 12 goals conceded, No side in the top 16 have a worse defensive record than Barton’s side. This lack of balance will be a thorn in Fleetwood’s playoff hopes throughout the season. 

Luckily for them, this weekend’s challengers have just as bad of a defensive record as them. Rochdale have also conceded 12 league goals this season. With almost twice as many league goals as Rochdale, Fleetwood should have too much in attack for the Dale. 

Rochdale’s front two of Callum Camps and Ian Henderson have formed a formidable partnership this season in their own right. The strike force have accumulated 5 goals and 3 assists between them. This duo will cause problems for Fleetwood’s defense. 

Rochdale have also scored in each of their last three away fixtures vs Fleetwood in all competitions. Considering the emphasis that both of these sides place on their attack, both teams to score should be a reliable bet. 

Fleetwood should still take all 3 points from this home fixture. Despite their erratic form overall, the Cod Army are undefeated in their last 10 home games. This element of consistency will favour them this Saturday vs Rochdale. 

Both of these sides are most comfortable on the ball, and with freedom to attack. We expect a lot of chances to be created on both ends. It is unlikely that Rochdale will manage to prevent Fleetwood from opening them up on a few occasions, and a 3-1 correct score prediction looks a good value offering.