Crewe travel to Spotland to face Rochdale in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with both sides in poor form. Crewe’s 5-1 thrasing at Rotherham was the third defeat in a row, whilst Rochdale have failed to win any of their last 4 games, and have conceded 10 goals in their last 2 games.
Vital Quotes:
Rochdale Team News:
Rochdale defender James Sharp picked up an injury against Stockport, with Simon Ramsden is expected to replace him. Nathan Brown could return from a calf-injury, whilst on loan striker Glenn Murray is cup-tied. Defender Nathan Stanton is available.
Player to watch: Chris Dagnall
The small, quick striker has 7 goals this season and could pose a threat to Crewe’s inexperience central defence pairing.
Crewe Team News:
Billy Jones is definitely out for Dario Gradi’s side, though midfielder Gary Roberts makes a welcome return from his suspension. Full-backs Jon Otsemobor and Andy Taylor are major doubts, whilst Neil Cox, Julien Baudet, Michael O’Connor, David Vaughan, Darren Moss, Lee Matthews and Rodney Jack are all injured. Loan duo Danny O’Donnell and Isaac Osbourne should play. Chris Flynn, Cavell Coo and Pavol Suhaj are all fighting for starting slots. Dario is expected to give Stuart Tomlinson a rare runout in goal.
Player to watch: Nicky Maynard
The forward gave a hard-working display on Saturday and did well in the build up to Luke Varney’s goal. Maynard will be keen to get on the scoresheet after 2 games without scoring.
Match Facts & Stats
Head to Head: In the 120 meetings between the sides, there have been 22 draws, 49 Crewe victories and 49 Rochdale wins. Crewe, however, have scored 174 goals in those games compared to Rochdale’s 170.
Crewe’s Top Goalscorer: Nicky Maynard – 10
Crewe’s Leading Assistsman: Luke Varney – 6
Rochdale’s Top Goalscorer: Chris Dagnall – 7
Rochdale’s Leading Assistsman: Gary Jones – 3
Rochdale have had the fourth most shots of any side in League Two. Of their 196 shots, 96 have been on target, 95 have been off target, whilst they have hit the woodwork five times.
Ref Watch:
S Bratt
Match Prediction:
Rochdale 2-3 Crewe