The Crown Oil Arena is set to host an English National League clash as Rochdale welcome Aldershot Town. This fixture promises to be a significant encounter, with both clubs aiming to cement their current standings and cultivate crucial momentum for the remainder of their campaigns.
Rochdale, despite a recent one-match losing streak, have otherwise enjoyed a robust season. Their ability to find the net in their last two matches highlights a persistent attacking threat, even within this minor setback. In stark contrast, Aldershot Town find themselves in a more challenging situation, currently navigating an extended winless run of eight games. Their recent performances also reveal a concerning tendency to concede after being behind at the interval, a pattern they will be particularly keen to reverse.
Historically, Rochdale have demonstrated a clear advantage in recent meetings. Over the past three seasons, the two clubs have faced each other four times, with Rochdale emerging triumphant on three of those occasions. This dominance is further emphasised by an aggregate scoreline of 9-4 in their favour. Last season’s league encounters saw Rochdale secure a commanding 4-0 victory on home turf, with Devante Rodney scoring twice, and a subsequent 2-0 away win, featuring goals from Kairo Mitchell and Devante Rodney.
In the current league standings, Rochdale occupy a strong fourth position, having accumulated 37 points from 16 games. Their record showcases a formidable 12 wins, one draw, and just three defeats, complemented by an impressive goal difference of +19, stemming from 31 goals scored and only 12 conceded. Aldershot Town, conversely, are situated in 20th place, having garnered 13 points from 18 matches. Their season has been a considerable struggle, characterised by three wins, four draws, and eleven losses, resulting in a negative goal difference of -8, with 31 goals scored against 39 conceded.
A victory for Rochdale would serve to solidify their strong position at the upper echelons of the table, potentially narrowing the gap on the sides above them and reinforcing their aspirations for promotion. A draw, whilst less ideal, would at least arrest their recent downward trend in form. For Aldershot Town, securing three points is of paramount importance to ascend from the relegation zone and inject vital confidence into the squad. Any outcome other than a win is likely to see them further entrenched in the lower reaches of the league table.