- Recent form (Tranmere): Tranmere Rovers have won just one, drawn three and lost six of their last ten matches (all competitions).
- Recent form (Rochdale): Rochdale have won five, drawn three and lost two of their last ten games (all competitions).
- Home scoring (Tranmere): Tranmere are averaging 0.40 goals per game at home across all competitions (2 goals scored).
A clash of styles at Prenton Park
Form and odds
This looks a tough match to call based on recent form, but Rochdale are favourites at 2.22 and for good reason. Tranmere have a pretty poor recent record (W1, D3, L6) and a disappointing home record (D1, L4), while Rochdale arrive in form with 5 wins in their last 10 (W5, D3, L2).
Match dynamics
Rochdale are certainly in better form, but Tranmere are at home and it could be a close one. The reverse fixture ended 2-2 back in League Two 2022/2023 and, as well as being a good cup fixture, this fixture could be equally tight. A clash of different styles should ensue on Saturday, with pragmatic and direct Tranmere trying to break Rochdale up and hit on the counter attack, while the visitors will aim to pin the hosts back and get turnovers in the opposing half.
Tranmere have been blunt up front
Rochdale's 5-match unbeaten streak across all competitions (W3, D2) includes a 1-1 home draw with promotion-chasing York City FC and a 2-1 home win over Scunthorpe United, while Tranmere's 1-1 home draw with Grimsby Town and 3-0 away loss to Milton Keynes Dons show that things are not going well for the hosts.
- Darrell Clarke is pragmatic, he likes to keep his teams compact, vertical balls, play direct, and be a threat on set pieces.
- Nathan Smith (2 of their 6 goals in the last 5 matches) is their sharpest edge, but they are in desperate need of goals.
- Ian Watson's Rochdale have been high-pressing and quick in recent weeks, where Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (2 of their 6 goals in the last 5 matches) has been their biggest threat.
Rochdale on a roll
Rochdale are in much better form than the home side and should get the job done, but I'm going to take the safer option of Both Teams to Score – Yes at 1.57.
The 2-2 draw in this fixture from 2022/2023 tells you that this could get feisty and close, while the fact Rochdale are good for goals on their travels should keep this game interesting to the end.
