A captivating contest awaits as Rochdale prepare to welcome Southend United to the Crown Oil Arena. This National League fixture features two ambitious teams, each determined to enhance their position in the league standings and secure vital points.
Rochdale approach the match in formidable fettle, buoyed by a four-game winning streak. Their attack has been particularly potent, having found the net in their last eight matches. With seven wins and a single defeat from eight games, they currently command the top spot in the league with 21 points. Their impressive goal difference of 12, having scored 16 and conceded only 4, underlines their strength at both ends of the pitch.
Southend United, however, will present a stern challenge. They are undefeated in their last two outings and have been on the scoresheet in their last six. Their current league position sees them in fourth place with 18 points, accumulated from five wins, three draws, and a single loss in their nine games played. Southend have scored 15 goals and conceded 6, demonstrating a commendable balance between attack and defence.
Historically, encounters between these two sides have been closely fought. In the last three seasons, they have met five times. Southend United hold a slender advantage with two wins to Rochdale’s one, with two draws completing the picture. Southend have scored nine goals in these encounters, just one more than Rochdale’s eight. Last season saw Southend triumph 1-0 away at Rochdale, courtesy of a Josh Walker goal. The return fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, with a Liam Hogan own goal cancelling out Devante Rodney’s opener. However, their most recent meeting saw a thrilling 4-3 victory for Southend at Rochdale, a match that required extra time to separate the teams.
A victory for Rochdale would cement their position at the top of the league, providing a significant fillip to their momentum and morale. A draw would allow them to maintain their lead, while a loss could see Southend close the gap and potentially overtake them in the standings. For Southend United, a win would be a powerful statement, propelling them closer to the summit and injecting further confidence into their promotion hopes. A draw would maintain their unbeaten run and keep them within striking distance of the league leaders, while a loss could see them cede ground to the frontrunners.