**Crewe host Rochdale in a League Two clash where form tells two different stories** — the hosts are unbeaten but leaning on draws, while Rochdale have been ruthless in recent weeks. 🔴

Crewe's last five is a mixed bag: two wins buried in three draws suggests they're grinding results rather than dominating. Rochdale, meanwhile, have won three of their last five and look sharper going forward. The head-to-head is tight, but Rochdale's current momentum gives them an edge.

Key storylines:

- **Rochdale's attack vs Crewe's backline**: Crewe have conceded just one goal in their last three, but **Rochdale's front three** of **C. Hayes**, **D. Brown**, and **H. Gilmour** have been clinical.
- **Set-piece battle**: With **J. Stephenson** and **K. Wilson** anchoring their defenses, expect plenty of physical play in midfield.
- **Crewe's creativity gap**: **J. Gibson** and **J. Lankester** need to unlock **A. Thibaut** early, or Rochdale's shape will suffocate them.

Expected lineups:

- **Crewe Alexandra**: T. Booth, R. Hutchinson, J. Stephenson, L. Offord, L. Billington, J. White, J. Tabiner, J. Gibson
- **Rochdale**: N. Ramming, K. Taylor, K. Wilson, A. Flint, D. Moss, B. Adeeko, E. Francis, G. Middleton

Prediction:

**Rochdale 2-1 Crewe Alexandra** — the visitors' recent form and clinical edge in attack gives them the slight lean.