Bury v Rochdale Betting Tips: High-scoring encounter expected at Gigg Lane

Thursday’s League One match sees two teams who are out of form go head-to-head as Bury host Rochdale – a big game for both.

Until a couple of weeks ago, Bury looked like they were pulling clear of trouble after losing just one of ten matches. However, they have now suffered two defeats on the bounce and have been dragged back into the relegation dogfight, sitting just one point above the drop-zone with a game out of hand on Port Vale who occupy the final relegation spot. If they lose here, it could spell real trouble.

Defence is once again the Shakers’ problem and, after recording four clean sheets in a row, they have now conceded seven in their last two, meaning they still have the second-worst defensive record in the division with 71 against. Unfortunately for Bury, going forward has also been a bit of a problem in recent times and they have failed to score in four of their last six matches.

Lee Clark’s side have been very inconsistent at home and their record at Gigg Lane under him reads W,L,W,D,L. As mentioned above, Clark’s men are struggling a bit in front of goal at the moment and they have failed to register on the score-sheet in their last two.

Much like Bury’s home form, Rochdale’s overall form has been very much hit and miss in recent times and they have not recorded back to back wins across all competitions since early January. They were looking like a good shout for the play-offs back then but a horrendous run means they are now down in ninth and eight points off that precious 6th place.

Again, like Bury, defence has been a huge thorn in the side of Keith Hill’s men with just one clean sheet in their last 13 matches. Additionally, their Goals Against record of 60 is the worst in the top 14 in League One. Conversely, they have been very good in the final third and have the third-best goal-scoring record in the division with 66 goals in 42 games. Their 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury on Saturday was the first time Rochdale had failed to find the back of the net since Valentine’s Day.

Away form has been pretty abysmal for The Dale this campaign and they have taken just 19 points from 21 games, as opposed to the 42 they have taken at home – the second-best home record in the league. Results on their travels show no sign of turning round either with three losses in their last four away from Spotland. Furthermore, they have conceded in each of their last seven away games.

With both of these sides so out of form, this is not easy to call. However, with neither of these teams knowing how to defend, goals are certainly fancied. 64% of Bury matches and 62% of Rochdale matches have seen at least three goals go in so ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ looks a good bet at 5/6.

Read Thursday’s Championship tip here.