As the stakes rise in the National League playoff eliminators, Rochdale and Southend United square off at the Crown Oil Arena, each vying for a place in the semi-finals against Forest Green Rovers. Our expert has singled out a standout betting opportunity from this crucial encounter.
One of our trusted experts, known for his deep knowledge of English football, has picked this game as Today’s Best Bet, and the selection makes plenty of sense.
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Rochdale vs Southend United
Steve Harrington; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Mjällby Draw No Bet | |
10/11 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Mjällby are unbeaten at home, in top form, and have a strong head-to-head record against Malmo. With the visitors missing key players and struggling away from home, backing the hosts with draw protection offers serious value. Draw No Bet provides smart cover in a game Mjällby are unlikely to lose.
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Key Stats:
- Goal Power: Rochdale have scored 13 goals in their last four home games.
- Stubborn Defence: Southend have kept four consecutive clean sheets but have struggled away from home.
- Veteran Presence: Rochdale’s Ian Henderson, at 40, remains a crucial attacking option.
Rationale:
Rochdale head into this knockout fixture with a formidable home record, having scored 13 goals while conceding just one in their last four matches at the Crown Oil Arena. The Dale finished the regular season in fourth place, thanks to a solid 74-point haul, and their attacking duo of Devante Rodney and Ian Henderson will pose a constant threat. Rodney, with 17 goals this season, leads the line with the veteran Henderson, still going strong at 40, providing crucial experience and a keen eye for goal.
While Southend have been defensively robust, keeping four consecutive clean sheets, their away form is less convincing. They have managed just two wins in their last nine road games, shipping 11 goals in that period. Given Rochdale’s potent home attack and Southend’s shaky away form, the hosts should find the net at least twice, especially with their talismanic striker Rodney likely to feature prominently in the final third. With McNulty urging his squad to play with confidence, backing Rochdale to score over 1.5 goals appears a strong selection.
Best Bet: Rochdale Over 1.5 Team Goals
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