Joey Barton and his side host Rochdale this Saturday at Highbury Stadium and here is your preview for the match against the Dale.
Fleetwood welcome Rochdale to Highbury Stadium this weekend after two back to back wins against Oxford United in the league, and Crewe Alexandra in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Town picked up their first win of the season last weekend against Karl Robinson’s Oxford and are looking to keep momentum going by picking up more points at home in front of the Cod Army. And after losing the first match at home, the team are more than ready to put the record straight.
Joey Barton spoke to the media on Thursday morning at Poolfoot Farm and knows that Rochdale will be tough opposition, and wants the fans to make Highbury a fortress for all visitors to the ground.
Joey Barton said…
“It will be another really tough game because Rochdale are a good side, and they have had a decent start to the campaign by beating Burton away from home.
“They play with a back three, sometimes a back five at times and that might mean Saturday will be an occasion where we have to be patient and stick to our processes to try and win a football match.
“Keith Hill’s side will come to Highbury and make it difficult for us and he is a manager who is a wily old fox who knows what he is doing.
“We need to make Highbury a tough place to come for teams, and for us that starts again this Saturday”
The Form Guide…
After picking up their first points against Oxford United at the weekend in the 2-0 victory, Joey Barton and his side are looking to make it back to back wins in Sky Bet League One with a win over Rochdale.
With history made on Tuesday night at Crewe Alexandra in the Carabao Cup, momentum is key for Town’s Head Coach, and believes there’s still a lot to come from his side with 44 games remaining in the league.
Rochdale started off their 2018/19 league campaign with a 2-1 victory away at Burton Albion. Two goals from Brad Inman were enough to cancel out Liam Boyce’s second half goal for the home side to give them the perfect start.
Defeat against Peterborough United came seven days later and the Posh picked up all three points in their 4-1 win at Spotland. Ian Henderson opened the scoring last weekend, however goals from Jason Cummings, Mark O’Hara and Matt Godden gave Peterborough the win.
2018/19 Sky Bet League Form:
Fleetwood Town: L W
Rochdale: W L
We’ve Met Before
The two sides have met 13 times in the Football League, with their first meeting being plated in the Johnstone Paint Trophy competition. Their first in the league was back in October 2012 and saw both take a point in a goalless game at Spotland.
Town’s first win against the side from Greater Manchester came in December 2013 at Rochdale, and it was Antoni Sarcevic’s penalty that opening the scoring before Scott Hogan levelled five minutes before the half-time break. Mark Roberts got Town’s second of the game giving the red and whites the win.
There have been six draws in the 13 meetings, with Fleetwood winning four, and Rochdale winning three.
One to Watch
Rochdale’s one to watch is creative midfielder Brad Inman. The Australian scored two goals on the opening day of the season against Burton and got himself into the EFL Team of the Week after his performance.
The 26-year old started off his career at Newcastle United, and whilst being named on the first team bench on two occasions, he failed to make a single appearance for the Magpies. He was loaned out to Crewe before signing for the Railway men on a permanent contract.
After three years at Gresty Road Inman moved to Peterborough United, and last season was loaned out to Rochdale where he made an instant impress with the club and their fans. On 4th July 2018, he signed a one-year deal after being released from the Posh.
Even though Brad Inman was born in Adelaide, the midfielder hasn’t represented his nation, however he has played for Scotland at U19s and U21 level.
Betting Preview
Joey Barton’s side are priced at 7/5 to pick up all three points this Saturday against Rochdale.
Keith Hill’s side are priced at 19/10 to win, with a draw at 23/10.
For Fleetwood to win and for both teams to score at Highbury, you can get boosted odds of 5/1.
In this fixture last season it finished 2-2 and for a repeat of that score-line, the odds are at 14/1.
You can find more odds for the match on SkyBet. Please bet and gamble responsibly.