Rochdale welcomes Sutton United to the Crown Oil Arena in a fixture laden with importance for both clubs. Rochdale will be eager to respond positively after a recent stumble, while Sutton United are striving to ignite their campaign.
Rochdale’s form has been encouraging, with three victories and a single defeat from their opening four games. Despite a recent setback, their attack has been reliable, finding the net in each of their last four matches. In contrast, Sutton United are still searching for their first win, having recorded two draws and two losses. Worryingly, they have succumbed to defeat in their last two matches after conceding the first goal.
The head-to-head record between these sides reveals a closely contested history. Over the past three seasons, they have met on four occasions, with Rochdale and Sutton United each securing two wins. Last season saw Rochdale clinch a 2-1 victory at home, with Ryan East and Devante Rodney scoring, negating Eduino Vaz’s goal for Sutton. However, Sutton United retaliated with a slender 1-0 victory on their own patch, aided by an own goal from Rochdale’s Kyron Gordon.
In the league table, Rochdale currently occupy 4th place with 9 points, supported by a strong goal difference of +6, having scored 9 and conceded only 3. Sutton United are positioned much lower, in 22nd place with just 2 points, their goal difference standing at -5 after scoring 4 and conceding 9.
A win for Rochdale would cement their place near the summit of the league and significantly enhance their momentum. A draw would sustain their positive start, whereas a loss could interrupt their progress and undermine their confidence. For Sutton United, victory is vital to escape the lower echelons of the league and instil some much-needed confidence within the team. A draw would represent a minor step forward, but a defeat would only exacerbate their difficulties and intensify the pressure.
