Boston United vs Rochdale Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this National League clash between Boston United and Rochdale. On paper, this looks like a classic tale of two teams heading in opposite directions.

Rochdale are sitting pretty in 3rd place with 34 points from just 14 games - that's proper promotion form, that is. They've been banging in the wins with 11 victories already this season. More importantly for this trip, their away form is absolutely minted. They've won two-thirds of their away games and haven't even conceded a goal on their travels in their last three away matches. That's some serious defensive solidity right there.

Boston United, on the other hand, are struggling a bit in 13th. They've got 20 points from 16 games, but their home form is frankly a bit worrying. Only one win in their last five home games, and they're scoring less than a goal per game on their own patch. They did put three past Tamworth in their last outing, but that was away from home. At their own gaff, they've been shipping goals too - 1.6 per game on average.

The recent results tell a story as well. Boston got hammered 0-4 at home by Morecambe, who are rock bottom of the league. That's not exactly confidence-boosting stuff. Rochdale, meanwhile, have been keeping things tight at the back, with five clean sheets in their last ten games.

Head-to-head, it's not looking good for Boston either. They've never beaten Rochdale at home in two attempts, and overall the visitors have the edge with two wins to Boston's one.

Yeah, I know Boston have had a bit more rest (14 days vs Rochdale's 4), but when you look at the quality gap and the form, that's not going to make much difference. Rochdale are just a better side at the moment, especially away from home where they're keeping clean sheets for fun.

The odds of 1.95 for an away win look about right to me. It's not massive value, but it's a solid bet based on what we're seeing. Rochdale's defense on the road vs Boston's attack at home? No contest really.