Rochdale vs Newcastle Betting Tips – FA Cup, 4th January 12.01pm
League One side Rochdale will be in the spotlight at Spotland on Saturday lunchtime as they will look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act. The Dale will welcome Premier League opposition in the form of Newcastle in this third-round tie. Will the home side, who are having league struggles, be able to pull off something special? Read our predictions for Rochdale vs Newcastle.
Rochdale vs Newcastle Betting Odds*
Newcastle 8/11
Draw 14/5
Rochdale 7/2
Table of Contents
Rochdale News and Form – Can the Dale defy the odds against Newcastle?
League One side Rochdale are sat down in 18th place in their division, so will be welcoming this diversion away from those stresses. Rochdale have already gone up against Premier League opposition this season. They made a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in September in the EFL Cup. After a brave 1-1 draw, the Dale were eliminated in a penalty shootout. In this season’s FA Cup the Dale have made their way past Wrexham and Boston Utd, both of their ties needing a replay.
They probably wouldn’t be too unhappy at having a day out at St James’ Park at least, from this tie. Three of Rochdale’s four FA Cup games this season have ended under 2.5 goals. They really don’t have the form behind them that suggests a Cup upset is going to be forthcoming, however. They have lost four of their last six games on home soil in all competitions (W1 D1). In their last five fixtures at Spotland, Rochdale have failed to score in three. Their record at home in the FA Cup has seen them lose just one of their last seven (W4 D2) and in February 2018 they played out a 2-2 draw with Spurs on the last occasion they hosted a top-flight side.
Rochdale vs Newcastle Head to Head
This will be the first meeting between the two sides
Key-Facts – Rochdale vs Newcastle
- Rochdale have lost only one of their last seven FA Cup home games
- Newcastle have won only 1 of their last 16 FA Cup away games
- The Dale held the Spurs to a 2-2 draw in their last FA Cup home game against top flight opposition
Newcastle News and Form – Can the Magpies avoid a slip-up?
Away games like this against lower-tiered opposition is never a comfortable thing for Premier League teams. Newcastle have just fallen out of form as well, having lost their last three top-flight fixtures, so could be a bit edgy. Their defence has notably been struggling recently as well, having conceded a total of nine goals in their last three fixtures. But they are the favourites to collect the match win regardless. But sizing up the away form of Newcastle this season, this could be a banana skin for Steve Bruce’s men.
The Magpies have lost 7 of their 10 games away from St James’ Park this season. Granted those were all in the Premier League, but still. Newcastle have failed to score in four of their last seven away games. Will Newcastle send out a strong starting eleven to avoid an upset or take a risk in resting some of their usual starters? Taking a look back at Newcastle away form in the FA Cup, it is terrible. They have lost eight of their last ten FA Cup away games (W1 D1) failing to score in six of their last eight. Newcastle have one win in their last 16 FA Cup away games, that being an extra-time victory at Blackburn last season.
Rochdale vs Newcastle Tips & Odds
Newcastle to win at 8/11
Under 2.5 goals at even money
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on January 2nd 2020 at 2:49 p.m.)
Rochdale vs Newcastle Predictions
Newcastle to win: The Magpies don’t have form out on the road in the FA Cup at all. Rochdale may be able to frustrate them early on in the fixture and get to half time level. But the extra quality that Newcastle can call upon should just get them through. Away win.
