Home form gives Dale edge with bookies

PUNTERS preferring to give the delights of an early Christmas shopping trip the widest possible berth on Saturday have much on which to focus their attention.

Bookies offer dozens of different markets on Rochdale’s contest against Swindon, for example, the detailed perusal of which sounds infinitely preferable to pounding around the shops, wondering why so many festive baubles are on display so early.

The match stats team at bettingexpert.com remind us that while Rochdale have defeated Swindon only once in the pair’s last five meetings in all competitions, Dale’s current home form is impressive.

In a League One table based solely upon home results, Rochdale would be fourth.

Not surprisingly then, the home side’s form at Spotland accounts for their 5/6 starting price (Betway) to secure a maximum haul, whereas Swindon open as Marathonbet’s 3/1 outsiders.

There’s every reason to believe that Rochdale will record their sixth home win of the campaign and punters who concur can get 6/1 (Paddy Power) against them winning 1-0; the likelihood of a 2-0 home success is rated an 8/1 shot by Betfred.

Elsewhere, BetVictor’s 7/4 for the Dale to hold a lead at the end of the first period has found favour amongst punters, many of whom have doubled up on bet365’s 10/3 for the opening half to finish with Rochdale 1-0 in front.

Skybet’s 13/5 for the fixture to end with honours even could offer useful insurance, while Paddy Power’s 5/2 for Rochdale to win by a single goal has proved a magnet for backers preferring to avoid calling the correct score.

Odds supplied by www. smartbets.com.