Rochdale vs Shrewsbury Predictions

• Rochdale have failed to win in three games, falling to within seven points of the relegation zone.
• Shrewsbury have now gone seven games without a win but have a buffer of 12 points over the teams in the relegation zone.
• Rochdale have scored well this season, averaging 1.17 goals per game, a record much better than some of the sides above them. They’ve conceded the third most in the division though with 47 goals conceded in 28 games.
• Shrewsbury are the second lowest scorers in the league, hitting the net just 24 times, averaging less than a goal a game. Defensively they’ve fared well, conceding 30 goals but their lack of firepower is a worry.

Can Rochdale pull clear of the relegation zone?

Rochdale have struggled for form once again after picking up two wins in a row at the start of the new year. They’ve since lost two and found themselves just seven points above the relegation zone and needing to pick up another win soon to give themselves some security.

The side have played really well in front of goal, scoring 33 goals in 28 games, a figure that is comparable to sides in midtable but their defensive frailties have let them down, with the side conceding 47 goals this season, a figure only beaten by Southend and Bolton, the two bottom sides of the division.

Shrewsbury have struggled for goals this season but can they find the net this week?

Shrewsbury Town sit 12 points above relegation at the moment, having both won and lost eight games this season. They are in the midst of a poor run however with losses against Gillingham and Doncaster punctuating a series of draws. The team need to pick up some points soon in order to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.

In attack, the team have struggled throughout the season scoring just 24 goals in 26 goals, less than a goal a game, one of only two sides to not hit a goal a game this season. Defensively they’ve performed well though, conceding 30 so far this year, a record better than second placed Wycombe amongst others.

Does either side get sucked into a relegation fight?

This game doesn’t look as though it is going to be full of goals with neither side scoring well above the league average this season and whilst Rochdale have conceded many this season, their opponents are having real trouble in front of goal this season. With that in mind, we’re backing this game to see under 2.5 goals.

Without many goals expected in this game, our options for a result are fairly limited. We think Rochdale will just have the edge this weekend with Shrewsbury failing to produce the goods in attack and we’re backing the home side to come away with a 1-0 win.