Rochdale vs. Scunthorpe Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

The National League delivers a blockbuster clash on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, as table-topping Rochdale host playoff-chasing Scunthorpe United at the Crown Oil Arena. This highly anticipated first versus fifth showdown pits one of the league’s most formidable home sides against a traveling opponent renowned for their resilience on the road. With both teams enjoying strong starts to the 2025/26 campaign, this match carries significant weight for the early-season title race and promises a compelling tactical battle.

Kicking off at 19:45 UK Time, the match will be broadcast live on DAZN for viewers around the globe. The encounter rekindles a rivalry from both clubs’ EFL days, adding a layer of historical significance to an already crucial three points. Rochdale enters this fixture as the bookmakers’ favorite, but Scunthorpe’s impressive away record suggests this will be far from a straightforward contest.

Team Analysis and Current Form

Rochdale: The Home Fortress

Rochdale has been nothing short of sensational this season, establishing themselves as the team to beat in the National League. Under the management of Jimmy McNulty, they currently sit first in the table with 34 points from 14 matches, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins, 1 draw, and just 2 losses. Their performance at the Crown Oil Arena has been particularly dominant, with a 86% home win rate (6 wins from 7 matches) that makes them the most formidable hosts in the league.

Key Strengths:

• Defensive Solidity: Rochdale possesses the best defensive record in the National League, having conceded just 7 goals in 14 games—an average of only 0.5 goals per game. They have kept clean sheets in their last 3 consecutive league matches.
• Attacking Prowess: Despite their defensive focus, Rochdale averages 1.93 goals scored per game in the league, with a particularly strong 2.43 goals per game at home.
• Key Players: The team’s offensive system is led by striker Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who has been in brilliant form with 11 league goals this season. He is ably supported by Devante Rodney, the team’s best assistant with 4 assists.

Recent form shows Rochdale is unbeaten in 18 of their last 21 National League matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Their last result was a 0-0 draw away at Woking, extending their unbeaten run while highlighting their defensive resilience.

Scunthorpe United: The Road Warriors

Scunthorpe United arrives at the Crown Oil Arena as one of the few teams capable of challenging Rochdale’s dominance this season. Sitting fifth in the table with 31 points from 16 games, the Iron have compiled a strong record of 8 wins, 7 draws, and just 1 loss. Their ability to avoid defeat, particularly away from home, has been a hallmark of their campaign.

Key Strengths:

• Away Resilience: Scunthorpe is unbeaten in their last 8 straight away clashes in the National League, a remarkable record that showcases their toughness on the road.
• Consistent Scoring: The Iron have scored in all of their last 8 away National League matches, proving they can find the net against any opposition.
• Key Players: Scunthorpe’s attack is led by Danny Whitehall with 7 league goals, while Callum Roberts has been instrumental as the season’s best assistant with 5 assists.

Recent form shows Scunthorpe is unbeaten in 18 of their last 20 encounters across all competitions, though they come into this match following a 1-0 defeat to Blackpool in the FA Cup. Prior to that cup defeat, they secured a 2-1 league victory over Aldershot Town, demonstrating their ability to grind out results.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The historical record between these two clubs adds intriguing context to this encounter. Over their last 14 meetings across all competitions, Rochdale holds a clear advantage with 6 victories compared to Scunthorpe’s 3 wins, with 5 matches ending in draws.

Table: Recent Head-to-Head Results

A notable trend in this fixture is the frequency of draws, with 4 of the last 6 encounters across all leagues ending level. However, Scunthorpe’s record away at Rochdale is particularly concerning for the visitors—they are winless in their previous 6 league visits to the Crown Oil Arena.

The most recent league meeting between these sides occurred on February 19, 2022, during their League Two campaign, with Rochdale emerging 2-1 victors at Scunthorpe’s home ground.

Betting Odds and Markets Analysis

Match Result Odds

Bookmakers have installed Rochdale as clear favorites to win this encounter, reflecting their strong home form and table-topping status. Current odds for a Rochdale victory range between 1.65 and 1.67. The draw is priced at approximately 3.70, while a Scunthorpe United away win offers the most value at 4.75.

Table: Betting Odds Comparison

Goal Markets

The Over/Under 2.5 goals market presents an interesting dilemma for bettors. The odds for Over 2.5 goals stand at 1.72, while Under 2.5 goals is priced at 2.07. Despite Rochdale’s defensive prowess, this match has several factors suggesting goal potential: Rochdale’s strong home scoring record (2.43 goals per game), Scunthorpe’s decent away attack (1.75 goals per game), and historical head-to-head matches averaging 2.83 goals.

Both Teams to Score

The Both Teams to Score (BTTS) market offers intriguing options. “Yes” is priced at 1.70, while “No” sits at 2.05. This reflects the statistical contrast between these teams—while Scunthorpe has seen BTTS in 80% of their matches (the highest in the league), Rochdale has seen it in just 36% of their games.

Value Betting Opportunities

For those seeking higher returns, several value bets merit consideration:

• Rochdale to Win & Both Teams to Score: Priced at 3.40
• Draw & Both Teams to Score: Available at 4.75
• Correct Score 2-1 to Rochdale: Multiple sources identify this as a likely scoreline

Tactical Analysis and Expected Lineups

Rochdale’s Approach and Key Players

Under manager Jimmy McNulty, Rochdale typically employs an organized, disciplined system that maximizes their defensive solidity while creating sufficient scoring opportunities. Their style is characterized by:

• Defensive Organization: Rochdale maintains a structured defensive shape that makes them extremely difficult to break down. Their league-low 7 goals conceded is testament to their tactical discipline.
• Efficient Attack: While not always dominant in possession, Rochdale converts their chances efficiently, particularly at home where they average 3 total goals per game.
• Set-Piece Proficiency: With players like Kyron Gordon (2 goals) contributing from defense, set-pieces represent an important scoring avenue.

*Expected Rochdale Lineup (4-2-3-1):*

• Goalkeeper: To be confirmed
• Defense: Back four likely featuring Kyron Gordon
• Midfield: Double pivot including Ryan East (3 goals)
• Attack: Devante Rodney (4 assists) supporting Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (11 goals) as the central striker

Scunthorpe’s Approach and Key Players

Managed by Andy Butler, Scunthorpe typically adopts a more adventurous approach, reflected in their high percentage of BTTS games (80%). Their tactical identity includes:

• Away Resilience: Scunthorpe sets up to remain compact and exploit counter-attacking opportunities on the road.
• Creative Midfield: The presence of Callum Roberts (5 assists) provides creative quality in the final third.
• Defensive Vulnerabilities: Unlike their hosts, Scunthorpe has conceded in their last 6 away games, suggesting potential opportunities for Rochdale.

*Expected Scunthorpe Lineup (4-3-3):*

• Goalkeeper: To be confirmed
• Defense: Standard back four
• Midfield: Three-man unit including Zain Westbrooke (recent scorer)
• Attack: Callum Roberts supporting Danny Whitehall (7 goals)

Final Prediction and Betting Tips

After comprehensive analysis of both teams’ form, tactical approaches, historical head-to-head record, and current betting markets, here are our expert predictions for this National League encounter:

Match Prediction

This match presents a classic strength versus strength scenario. Rochdale’s imperious home form and defensive solidity make them favorites, but Scunthorpe’s remarkable away resilience and ability to score on their travels suggests they won’t go down easily.

Our predicted final score is Rochdale 2-1 Scunthorpe United. This outcome reflects Rochdale’s home advantage and scoring prowess, while acknowledging Scunthorpe’s tendency to both score and concede in away matches. The historical head-to-head record, which shows Rochdale’s dominance in this fixture, particularly at home, further supports this prediction.

Recommended Betting Tips

1. Primary Bet: Rochdale to Win
   At odds of 1.67 , this represents the most straightforward wager given Rochdale’s table-topping status, exceptional home record (86% win rate), and historical advantage in this fixture.
2. Alternative Bet: Rochdale to Win & Both Teams to Score
   For those seeking better value, the 3.40 odds on Rochdale winning with both teams scoring accounts for Scunthorpe’s strong BTTS record (80% of matches) and ability to score away from home.
3. Value Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
   Priced at 1.72 , this bet aligns with Rochdale’s high-scoring home games (3.0 total goals per match on average) and the historical head-to-head average of 2.83 goals per game.
4. Longshot: Correct Score 2-1 to Rochdale
   Multiple prediction models suggest 2-1 as a likely scoreline , offering significantly higher returns for those willing to take more risk.

Risk Factors to Consider

While our analysis favors Rochdale, several factors could swing this match in a different direction:

• Scunthorpe’s away resilience—unbeaten in 8 straight away league matches—makes them a dangerous opponent.
• Rochdale’s recent 0-0 draw against Woking suggests they aren’t invincible, despite their strong form.
• The historical tendency for draws in this fixture (4 of the last 6 meetings) means a stalemate is a distinct possibility.

Conclusion

The National League showdown between Rochdale and Scunthorpe United at the Crown Oil Arena promises to be a compelling encounter between two genuine promotion contenders. With Rochdale’s formidable home record tested against Scunthorpe’s impressive away resilience, this match could prove pivotal in the early-season title race.

Our analysis suggests Rochdale holds the edge, particularly given their stellar defensive record and historical superiority in this fixture. However, Scunthorpe’s ability to score on the road means they are unlikely to go down without a fight.

For bettors, the most promising approaches appear to be backing a Rochdale victory, potentially combined with both teams to score for enhanced value. Whatever the outcome, this first versus fifth clash promises to deliver an engaging 90 minutes of National League action.

Note: Odds are subject to change and may differ between bookmakers. Always gamble responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose.