Yeovil Town vs Rochdale AFC: Exciting Match Preview
Yeovil Town is set to face Rochdale AFC at Huish Park this Saturday. This marks Yeovil’s first home game in over a month. As they prepare for this encounter, both teams bring contrasting form to the match.
Team Form: Yeovil Town vs Rochdale AFC
Yeovil Town
Yeovil’s recent performance has seen some struggles. Their last outing resulted in a 3-2 defeat against Boreham Wood. The match was hard-fought, with Yeovil initially taking the lead through Jake Wannell. However, Boreham Wood rallied, with Zak Brunt scoring twice. A late equalizer from James Daly gave Yeovil hope. Yet, a last-minute goal from Aaron Henry sealed Yeovil’s fate.
This loss marked their second defeat in five matches, causing concern for their supporters.
Rochdale AFC
In contrast, Rochdale is enjoying a remarkable streak of form. They remain unbeaten in their last five games and have suffered only four losses this season. Their most recent victory was an impressive 4-1 win against Boreham Wood. The match saw Emmanuel Dieseruvwe score twice, including an early opener and another in the second half. This performance underlined their strong attacking abilities.
Key Players to Watch
Yeovil Town: James Daly
James Daly has shown promise lately, contributing two goals and an assist in recent matches. After a slow start to his time at Yeovil, his recent performance against Boreham Wood could indicate a turning point. Fans hope this will propel him to more consistent form.
Rochdale AFC: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe stands out as a key player for Rochdale. The forward has netted 16 goals this season, showcasing his scoring prowess. His physical presence at 6ft 4in poses a challenge for defenders. Without Kyle Ferguson due to suspension, Yeovil’s backline must strategize to contain him.
Coaching Insight
Jimmy McNulty leads Rochdale as their manager, having taken the reins in 2023. Known for delivering results despite a significant budget, he has guided the team to success this season, remaining unbeaten in three encounters against Yeovil.
Previous Encounters
The last match-up between these clubs took place in October, ending in a 3-0 loss for Yeovil. Rochdale’s strong start featured two goals from Dieseruvwe along with another from Ryan East. The two teams also clashed at Huish Park in August 2024, which resulted in a narrow 1-0 loss for Yeovil after a last-minute goal.
Familiar Faces
Dan Moss, who once played on loan for Yeovil, is now a defender for Rochdale, adding an interesting dynamic to this match.
Match Official
Niall Smith will officiate this fixture, overseeing what promises to be an exciting encounter at Huish Park.
As both teams head into this match with differing expectations, fans can look forward to an engaging contest between Yeovil Town and Rochdale AFC.
