FC United to force Rochdale into a replay
FA Cup first round weekend kicks off with a Greater Manchester derby between Rochdale and a team who, while four tiers below them, are one of the most well-known in non-league football, Northern Premier side FC United of Manchester.
The club were formed five years ago in protest at Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United and have since gained three promotions. This is the first time they've got this far in the cup, earning their spot with a victory over Blue Square Premier team Barrow, who reached the third round last season.
It's no surprise that the hosts are firm [1.31] favourites given the number of divisions between them but FC United head into Friday night's televised tie in better form, having won six successive games in all competitions, their last two away outings by comfortable 5-2 and 3-0 margins.
Rochdale on the other hand have lost four of their last five having initially made an impressive impact following their arrival in League One, though Colchester and Yeovil are the only teams to have returned from Spotlands with three points, so it's perhaps a little too ambitious to back FC United at [13.0].
Two interesting trends worth considering however are that Rochdale have got through the first round just once in five years, while in three of the last four they have been forced into replays, indicating that the draw at the hefty price of [6.0] or the Dale lay at [1.31] are good bets.
Over 2.5 goals also appears likely at [1.52] but better odds may be offered in play, so it could prove shrewd to wait until half-time before making a big move, as in Rochdale's last six matches, there have been more goals scored after the interval.
Rochdale v FC United of Manchester
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on ESPN
Will FC United achieve the greatest result in their history? Have your say below...
Published: 5 Nov 2010
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