Rochdale v Chesterfield Betting Tip Over 2.5 goals, 2015-10-06

Goals look set to continue at Spotland.

Sports Betting Tips

Rochdale v Chesterfield
Tuesday 6th October – Kickoff: 1900hrs
Football – England – Football League Trophy

With another international week almost upon us, attention switches from the top-flight in England to the lower leagues, and more specifically the Football League Trophy. Still in it’s regional stages (North and South), the second round see’s Rochdale entertain Chesterfield as both sides look to reach the quarter-finals.

It has been a very positive start for Keith Hill and his Rochdale squad in terms of their league performances. After 11 games, ‘Dale sit just inside the play-off zone thanks to a superior goal difference. As ever with a team managed by Hill, there is no shortage of entertainment when Rochdale take the field. Five wins and four losses indicate that it is usually all or nothing with very little inbetween. Some will view that as being too inconsistent but there is something admirable about a manager who tries to win every game – even at the risk of losing it. It was a similar case last season when they ended the season with 19 wins and 21 defeats, finishing six points outside the top six.

Having started the season in very decent fashion under new manager Dean Saunders, things have started to get a bit harder for Chesterfield in League One. Up until Saturday, Chesterfield has lost four of their last five and had not won since the end of August. That made the weekend win away to Crewe was most welcome for the manager. They sit just three points behind their opponents on Tuesday which illustrates how tight and competitive the division is this year. Saunders will be relieved that their poor run of form has come to an end, but for that to be the case, his team will have to put a run of results together – starting with this game.

The Football League Trophy has become more prestigious for clubs such as Rochdale and Chesterfield as they know it is more than likely their best opportunity of playing at Wembley and giving their fans a day out. Chesterfield have reached the final twice in the last four seasons – winning it in 2012. Rochdale, however, have never gotten as far as that, failing to even reach their sectional final.

Rochdale v Chesterfield Betting Tips

As ever, domestic cup games can often be difficult to weigh up as they are not usually the priority in comparison to the league, but the rules of this competition state that teams must play at least six of the team who started in the previous league game, so there will be two strong starting line-ups on show.

The two have already met this season having played out a goalless draw in August, which might make my selection on this game a little surprising. I alluded to Rochdale’s approach to the game and how they like to get forward and play on the front foot. Their home form certainly backs that up with four of their five league games ending with three or more goals in them. Chesterfield are slightly more pragmatic but this game should have a slightly different feel to it being a cup match and I think it will lead to a few goals.

Over 2.5 goals 10/11 @ William Hill