Swindon Town face a long and tricky trip to Manchester to face Rochdale, in a fixture which could define both team’s seasons.
The Reds have been yo-yoing in and out of the relegation zone in recent weeks, but with only three points separating 19th position and 23rd place, the bottom four is far from being decided.
Town were unfortunate to encounter an in-form Peterborough side last weekend, who demonstrated their promotion credentials through an impressive brace from Siriki Dembele and a last-minute goal from Jonson Clarke-Harris.
The lads now face back-to-back away matches with tomorrow’s long journey up North, followed by a trip to Surrey to line-up against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend.
The first domestic fixture of the season at the County Ground was between Swindon and Rochdale, and it was The Reds who ran out 3-1 winners in an entertaining, free-flowing performance from The Town.
Despite the two sides meeting for the first time in an FA Cup fixture all the way back in 1913, there have only been 23 meetings between Swindon and Rochdale.
Town do boast the superior record over their hosts, recording 13 wins and 7 draws over the Dale.
The Opposition:
Brian Barry-Murphy’s side are currently bottom of the table and have endured a very difficult season.
However, they are far from relegated and are only six points away from safety, with two games in hand.
They have proved to be very difficult opponents and have recorded many impressive results this season, including recording a 2-1 away win against Lincoln City and a 3-3 draw against Peterborough, where they were seconds away from a miraculous victory.
Barry-Murphy’s side set up with an organised and balanced 3-5-2 formation, but they are also very dangerous in front of goal.
Matthew Lund and Stephen Humphrys have been Rochdale’s dangermen contributing to eleven and nine goals respectively for The Dale.
Like Swindon, Rochdale are also winless in their last three matches, and they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Fleetwood Town on the weekend.
Both Swindon Town and Rochdale are fighting for their lives and their League One status, so expect a physical contest.
How To Watch:
Tomorrow's game is available to stream via iFollow STFC, where supporters are able to purchase a Match Pass for a fee of £10.