Recently relegated Rochdale start their League Two campaign with a tricky trip to Harrogate. Read our expert predictions and find the best odds for the fixture below in our match preview.
Harrogate vs Rochdale – Free Betting Tips & Predictions
Harrogate and Rochdale meet on the opening day of the new 2021/22 League Two season at the EnviroVent Stadium. Read our top three predictions for this weekend’s contest below.
Prediction 1
- Double Chance
- Rochdale or Draw
- 8/13
Prediction 2
- Both Teams to Score
- Yes
- 4/5
Prediction 3
- Team Goals
- Over 1.5 Rochdale Team Goals
- 7/4
Contents
The odds presented here are always subject to change. One should check with the bookmaker before placing the bet. These odds are provided by William Hill, our recommended bookmaker for the big game.
Rochdale Double Chance
Rochdale are a fresh face in League Two following their relegation, though they look ready to make a clean start under newly appointed manager Robbie Stockdale. The Dale produced some promising pre-season performances against opponents from higher divisions over the summer and with their confidence honed, they should be able to harness the quality in their ranks to earn a positive result at Harrogate.
Both Teams to Score
Rochdale’s defensive issues contributed greatly to their demise in League One last term and their record of just three clean sheets in their last 16 competitive matches suggests Harrogate will impact the scoresheet this weekend. The Dale found the net in all but one of their pre-season tests against some tough opponents however and the threat they carry in the final third makes the BTTS market an interesting prospect on Saturday.
Over 1.5 Rochdale Team Goals
Pre-season results aren’t everything, however, Harrogate’s defensive displays over the summer were still cause for concern. The Sulphurites shipped three or more goals in three of their final four friendly assignments and in four of their seven non-competitive contests overall, and their rearguard looked alarmingly porous. Rochdale could find plenty of joy against their host’s leaky backline this weekend and that in turn makes the over 1.5 Dale team goals line worth backing.
Harrogate vs Rochdale: Match Preview
Harrogate
After an impressive first campaign in League Two in 2020/21, Harrogate have plenty to build on this season and Nicky Weaver’s men will be targeting steady improvement between now and next May. Strikers Luke Armstrong and Danilo Orsi – who scored 34 goals between them in a combined 70 National League appearances last term – are interesting summer recruits, and a top-half finish could be within reach for The Sulphurites if the pair can adapt to life a division up.
Rochdale
Rochdale had plenty of repair work to do over the summer with a fractured boardroom and upheaval in the dugout to contend with, but if self-belief can be restored, the Dale have a strong enough XI to push for a top-half finish. Their lack of depth will probably be an issue before long however, and an injury to two in the wrong areas could spell big trouble.
Top Betting Odds and Stats for Harrogate vs Rochdale
Here are the top stats for the game along with a tool to help you pick the best odds.
Harrogate vs Rochdale Coverage and Frequently Asked Questions
What stadium will the match be played at?
Saturday’s match will be played at EnviroVent Stadium in Harrogate.
When does this fixture kick off?
The fixture is scheduled to start at 16:00 CET (GMT +1) on August 7.
Who won the last meeting between these clubs?
Harrogate and Rochdale have never met before.