Shrewsbury vs Rochdale Predictions

It looked as though Shrewsbury had held on for a 0-0 draw away from home last weekend, but they were disappointingly beaten thanks to a 93^rd minute MK Dons goal. Still, four points from the first two games is a respectable start. The hosts will be looking to resume winning ways now back on home soil. Rochdale will also be looking for a second win of the season, as they were pegged back when leading Doncaster with little more than a few seconds remaining last weekend.

While they were slightly lucky to win on match-day one, the Shrews were unfortunate to leave Stadium mk empty handed last week. In a game where clear-cut chances were few and far between, Shrewsbury were just about the more threatening side, as they created 0.71 expected goals for and conceded 0.45. They also emerged with a shot supremacy of +4, though it was MK Dons that had the last laugh, as they scored the winner with seconds to go.

The early weeks of this season suggest that Sam Ricketts has stuck with Shrewsbury’s defensive principles. By adopting a pragmatic approach, the Shrews are unlikely to receive many heavy defeats, while they’ll keep themselves in the game against pretty much any team, but at what cost? While they’ve got a sturdy look about them, the boys from New Meadow appear to lack forward potency. First time out, they registered just 0.18 expected goals for and only got on the score-sheet thanks to an outstanding long-range effort from Ryan Giles, while they lacked a cutting edge last time out when failing to score away against MK Dons, posting just 0.71 expected goals for.

Rochdale haven’t been amazing in terms of creativity over the first few weeks of the campaign, but they’ve done a much better job of getting the ball in the net than Shrewsbury. First time out, Dale were clinical when notching three times away against Tranmere, while they also netted in a 1-1 draw with top-six hopefuls Doncaster last time out.

Last time out, Brian Barry-Murphy’s men were somewhat fortunate to score, as they created a mere 0.39 expected goals for, though they did do a decent job of restricting their opponents, as they surrendered only 0.52.

From a betting point of view, this is one of the less appealing fixtures that League One has to offer this weekend. Those looking to get involved can try ‘Shrewsbury to Win & Under 3.5 Goals’.

The Shrews weren’t prolific winners last term, nor are likely to be this time, while they’re never going to be massive scorers, though this is the sort of home game where their disciplined, pragmatic approach can pay dividends. As we saw on match-day one, Rochdale, who look to dominate possession, can be somewhat open away from home, which doesn’t bode well ahead of a match against a home side that will be happy to soak up pressure before looking to strike on the break.

‘Correct Score’ players are pointed in the direction of a 2-0 home win. As touched on above, the Shrews are a side capable of sitting back and holding teams off, so a home match against a Rochdale side that is susceptible to the counter should see them thrive.