Oldham ended a run of three straight defeats with a much-needed and hard fought win away to Crewe on Saturday. Having flirted with the top six in the early part of the season, the Lactic’s have dropped to mid-table and with a seven point gap to make up on the team occupying the final play-off spot (not to mention the seven teams between them and sixth) it may well be that they have left themselves with too much to do. Dean Holden – who took over from Lee Johnson in February – will be insisting to his players that they can still make the play-offs, however, and will be stressing the importance of following Saturday’s victory up with another win on Tuesday.
Rochdale are one of those clubs who sit between Oldham and sixth place and look to hold much stronger claims of climbing into the play-off zone. Not only are they four points better off than their opponents on Tuesday, they also have played a game less than them, meaning they have played two less than they majority of teams above them. A win at Boundary Park would see them move into the top six on goal difference which is a huge incentive for them. They come into the game in decent form with four wins in their last five and another victory here would be crucial as we enter the finals
Having lost only three of their first 14 home games in League One this season, Oldham have lost their last four. If is something of a surprise but they have come up against some very difficult opponents of late. Preston, Barnsley and MK Dons all currently sit in the top seven so it was always going to be difficult against those sides. Unfortunately for Dean Holden, the difficult games keep on coming. Following the match with Rochdale, three of their next four at home are against sides in the top six.
Although Rochdale have been in good form of late, they have managed only one win in their last six away games. That victory came in their most recent game on the road when they defeated Notts County 2-1 last midweek. They have the third best away attack in League One which is not a huge surprise for a team managed by Keith Hill. He is a manager who always prefers his team to go on the front foot and that is the case both in home and away games.
This is bound to have huge implications for Oldham’s slim chances of finishing in the top six whilst Rochdale know if they can get all three points it will be a huge boost to their own chances of promotion. That should see both clubs go for this from the off which should increase the chances of goals. 12 from 18 of Oldham’s home games have seen both teams scoring whilst seven of Rochdale’s last nine away games have also had that outcome
Both teams to score 4/5 @ Betfred
