Crewe Alex v Rochdale 26-27 Preview - Back in 2014

Does anyone remember Rochdale's last win at Gresty Road? I do. I think about it more often than I probably should. It was their 5-2 hammering in August 2014. The Alex went 1-0 up through Marcus Haber but conceded 3 to go behind before the hour mark. Haber made it 3-2, but 2 more Dale goals made it a comfy win for the away side.

In their history, I think this is the only time the Alex have lost 5-2 on home soil. It certainly hasn't happened since and I certainly hope we aren't in for a repeat performance. This is my preview of Rochdale's first visit to Gresty Road since 2023:

New Record

10 games unbeaten to start to the season. A record that matches their run at the start of the 1953-54 season. One more and they'll create history. Does that play on their minds and weigh them down? Or does it give them confidence? With every game the run builds, they could look at it as them being incredibly tough to beat and them approaching games with an almost invincible like attitude. Or, they could let it pressure them.

There is a reason most teams don't go on lengthy unbeaten runs, because it's hard to do. The Alex throughout their history have lacked consistency. We know a defeat will happen eventually, because of course it will. So, will that inevitable defeat play on their minds and add a level of pressure to their play?

Defensive Resilience

I mentioned it last week in a general sense, but the Alex's defensive record at home has been particularly strong. They've conceded 5 goals and 4 of them were a penalty, a set piece, a rare Lewis Billington defensive error and a 60 yard wonder goal. Don't get me wrong, they all count, but it's not like they are getting carved open and giving up lots of great chances or soft goals to the opposition. Given they are playing a side who have scored just 3 goals away from home, there is hope that their defensive record can continue in this game.

Recovery

Rochdale had a very tough start to their season as they looked to adapt to life back in the EFL. They were 1-0-3 after their first 4 games and they looked in over their heads. However, they have recovery admirably since then, with their current unbeaten run sitting at 5. In that run are 3 clean sheets and 3 games unbeaten on the road, with a 2-1 at Fleetwood sandwiched between draws at Walsall and Tranmere. They look a tough side to break down all of a sudden and they look to be a tricky opponent.

Underlying numbers

However, whilst their recovery has been worth of praise, their underlying numbers remain awful. They are 23rd in xG, ranking only ahead of Northampton and their measly 4.5. They have given up the 3rd most xG against and ranked poorly in shots on target per game(24th), big chances(21st) and touches in the opposition box(20th). It suggests that even in spite of their recent run of results, they are, at their core, not a good side. And they are in fact a side the Alex should very much be targeting 3 points against.

Referee Watch

Aaron Jackson

Well, it was bound to happen eventually. Jackson is making his full EFL debut, after 7 full seasons in the National League. Funnily enough though, despite this being his EFL bow, he's done a Crewe game before, which was their 3-0 EFL Trophy defeat to Wrexham in 23-24. In that game, he sent off Luke Offord. Hopefully his 2nd trip to Gresty Road is better for the Alex.

2026-27 Record: 7 games(6 National League, 1 EFL Trophy), 20 yellows

Last Game: Hartlepool United 0-1 Tamworth, National League, Saturday 3rd October 2026

Crewe Alex Record: 0-0-1, 1 yellow, 1 red

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

Whilst Lee Bell hinted at Demetriou possibly being available, I doubt we'll see him until Chesterfield or maybe even Barnet. Hutchinson should be back in contention and Lankester is out for a little while. Which could mean weeks. Or it could mean months. Who honestly knows.

Rochdale

Dan Moss is out for the season with an ACL injury. Also missing last week were Laurence Maguire, Ryan East, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Devante Rodney.

Team

For the 2nd week in a row, I think the selection for this one is pretty straight forward, barring no new injury concerns. The keeper, back 4 and midfield 2 are pretty set, with Booth, Billington, Offord, Stephenson, Ure, White and Lunt continuing in those positions. And I think 3 of the 4 attacking spots are confirmed, with Tabiner, March and Gibson continuing. But in what positions?

Well, after an underwhelming display at Swindon, Thibaut drops out and that allows March to move back to the striker spot. Gibson moves back to his natural LW spot. Then it's where to start Tabiner. For me, move him to the RW spot. Then I'd bring Holicek in to play behind March. It can be a flexible arrangement, with Tabiner moving inside and Holicek shifting to the RW. Heck, you could play Holicek deeper and move Lunt into the number 10. I don't mind too much. But Tabiner on the right, Lunt deeper and Holicek behind March is my preference.

The bench should be similar to last week, but with Hutchinson coming in for Dancey/Moore and Thibaut swapping out for Holicek.

Score Prediction

Rochdale are proving to be a scrappy side who haven't conceded many of late and are staying in games. But, the Alex are in good form, have a pretty strong side to pick from and are at home. If this was at Spotland, I'd probably lean more towards a draw. but it's at Gresty Road and because of that, I'm hoping for and expecting a win. A scary position to be in. No more predicting draws in the hope it jinxes them into a win.

Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Rochdale