York City and Rochdale are set to clash in a highly anticipated National League match at the LNER Community Stadium on Tuesday evening. Both teams have started the season strong, each earning four points from their opening two games. A win in this match could provide an early boost to their promotion chances and set the tone for the rest of the season.
York City’s Recent Form and Preview
York City enters this match on the back of a convincing 2-0 home victory over Tamworth, with goals from Ollie Pearce and Billy Chadwick securing the three points. Pearce converted a penalty with precision, while Chadwick sealed the win with a well-placed finish from inside the box. Prior to that, York City managed a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Southend United, with Lenell John-Lewis scoring a late equalizer. The Minstermen will be looking to improve on their 20th place finish from last season and under the guidance of manager Adam Hinshelwood, they have made some promising signings to bolster their squad.
Rochdale’s Recent Form and Preview
Rochdale also comes into this match unbeaten in their first two games, having earned a draw against Dagenham & Redbridge in their last outing. Tarryn Allarakhia’s composed finish salvaged a point for the Dale in that match. Their season opener was more impressive, with a 3-0 victory over Boston United thanks to goals from Devante Rodney and Ian Henderson. Manager Jimmy McNulty has steadied the ship since Rochdale’s relegation in 2023, and the team has shown positive signs under his leadership. With new owners on board, Rochdale will be aiming to build on their 11th place finish from last season.
Team News and Possible Lineups
York City’s Dipo Akinyemi is expected to return to the squad after missing the last match due to a minor injury. Manager Hinshelwood will have a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Ashley Nathaniel-George and Akinyemi vying for a starting spot in attack. Rochdale, on the other hand, have no injury concerns and are likely to field a similar lineup to their previous games. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Finlay Robertson could feature if the manager decides to rotate the squad.
Possible Starting Lineups:
York City: Male; Fallowfield, Howe, O’Connor, Crookes; Hunt, Batty; John-Lewis, Sinclair, Chadwick; Pearce
Rochdale: McNicholas; Adebayo-Rowling, Gordon, Ebanks-Landell, Robertson; East, Henry; Allarakhia, Rodney, Senior; Mitchell
Prediction: York City 2-2 Rochdale
Both teams have shown early promise in the season, making it difficult to predict a winner in this match. York City’s control in their previous game against Tamworth and Rochdale’s attacking prowess suggest that goals will be on the cards. A closely contested 2-2 draw seems like a likely outcome for this exciting encounter.
For more in-depth analysis, predictions, and scorelines for this match, be sure to check out our daily email of previews and predictions for every major game. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling matchup between York City and Rochdale at the LNER Community Stadium.