Sutton United vs Rochdale: Match Preview: Can Rochdale climb higher into the playoff positions?

Sitting down in 14th position Sutton United will have disappointed fans who were hoping their return to the fifth tier was going to be a quick visit. However, their huge point gap to the promotion playoff places leaves them with the only option of another season in the National League.

Entering their second consecutive season in the National League, Rochdale thirst for a return to the Football League. Currently occupying the last available promotion playoff position, Rochdale find themselves separated by just one point from the two chasing teams below.

National League Form and Results

Sutton United

Suffering relegation from League Two, Sutton United have inspired flurries of positivity but overall have endured a lacklustre run so far. They remain unable to establish a good run of form since going their first five matches of the season unbeaten.

Sutton have been relegated to the National League despite a hard-fought 4-4 draw against MK Dons on the final day of the League Two season 👇 pic.twitter.com/pslCj0aThm

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2024

Recently, their form has taken another hit, as the Amber and Chocolates go their last three matches without a win.

Rochdale

Very similar to their opponents for this game, Rochdale have also struggled with maintaining dominant form however have had fewer blunders which sees them sat with promotion in sight.

Their last game ended in heartbreak, losing a penalty shootout and watching their dreams of a Wembley visit shattered as Spennymoor Town booked their place in the final. Returning to the league, Rochdale have only managed one win from their last five matches.

What Do The Stats Say?

Steve Morison’s side have been misfortunate when it comes to collecting points in front of the home fans, collecting seven draws and seven defeats from 20 matches. Averaging 1.3 goals per game, Sutton United are ranked in the bottom ten teams for goals scored.

Rochdale will have a boost from that stat given that they ranked fifth for least goals conceded league wide. While being a powerhouse in front of the home crowd, Jim McNulty has suffered away from home, only earning 41% of his 61-point total on the road.

The Stats therefore indicate that Rochdale may have the advantage as although their away record is less than desirable, it is more efficient than Sutton United’s home record. This comparison on top of Sutton’s struggles in front of goal will allow Rochdale to take full advantage for this game.

Predicted Lineups and Players To Watch

Sutton United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Sims; Vaz, Topallaj, Ransom, French; Woodyard, Barbrook, Jackson; Simper, Davies, Nadesan

Despite the team’s overall struggles in front of goal, striker Will Davies remains a danger in front of goal. Collecting three goals in his last five appearances, the 25-year-old has brought his goal tally up to 18 for the season as he sits third for most player goals for the season.

17th league goal of the season for Sutton United’s Will Davies 🌟

Quietly closing that Golden Boot gap.#ForeverAmber🟡 pic.twitter.com/I8elFBH0As

— National League - THE DECK (@TheDeckNL) March 23, 2025

Another player who has been aiding Davies is loanee winger Ashley Nadesan. Joining from Gillingham, Nadesan has managed 12 goal contributions so far in the league and continues to be a threat down the right-hand side.

Right place, right time 🕰️@ashleynadesan | #UTFS | #AmberArmy | #SuttonUnited | #ForeverAmber 💛 pic.twitter.com/wkoVjmmTx3

— Sutton United FC (@suttonunited) April 6, 2025

Rochdale Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Waller; Hogan, Ebanks-Landell, Gordon; Buyabu, Burger, Gilmour, Barlow; Rodney, Mitchell, McBride

The attacking pairing of Kairo Mitchell and Devante Rodney have been tremendous this season in Rochdale’s push for promotion playoffs. Combining for a total of 26 goals, it is safe to say that these two will continue to lead the line for the remainder of the season.

3⃣ in 2⃣ for @DevanteRodney 🔥

What a ball from the skipper, too 😮‍💨#RAFC pic.twitter.com/ewvvTeLxyG

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) April 2, 2025

Looking to return to the starting XI is Burnley loanee Sam Waller. The 21-year-old goalkeeper has enjoyed his loan spell so far for Rochdale, with seven clean sheets kept from 20 matches. Originally returning to Burnley in January, both parties decided Waller should remain at Rochdale for the rest of the season.

We are delighted to announce that Sam Waller has extended his stay at the club until the end of the season from Burnley 🙌

Great to have you with us, Sam 🤝#RAFC pic.twitter.com/chdq3U8Whi

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) January 23, 2025

Where To Watch

This match will take place at the Borough Sports Ground, kicking off at 7:45pm this evening. You can follow along the BBC for live text commentary and score updates as the game unfolds.

What Do Our Experts Say?

Having already suffered a loss to Rochdale this season, our experts back Rochdale to complete the win. We are confident that Rochdale have the confidence and the concentration to ensure they can stay ahead of the competition and ensure their passage into the promotion playoff round come season end.

Our experts suggest Rochdale to Win

Sutton United vs Rochdale: Final Prediction

With nothing to play for as the season draws towards it end, Sutton United may begin to take their foot off the gas and focus on maintaining their players and looking ahead to improvements for next season. Rochdale have been a far superior side this season and this game should be theirs for the taking.

My prediction is a 3-0 Victory for Rochdale