Fleetwood Town host Rochdale in the FA Cup first round this Saturday, a tie that offers a chance to build on recent League Two momentum. The match at Highbury Stadium kicks off at 3pm on 7 November, with the Cod Army aiming to improve their cup form after a mixed start to the season. The team currently sits 16th in League Two, having taken 17 points from their 14 games with a record of four wins, five draws, and five losses.
Sitting 16th in the League Two standings with 17 points from 14 games, Fleetwood's recent results have been inconsistent. Their last five matches show two wins, one draw, and two losses, a sequence that includes a 3-1 victory over Bristol Rovers last weekend. Goals from Aaron Loupalo-Bi, R. Bennett, and Josh Robertson secured that win, providing a timely confidence boost ahead of the cup. The team's goal difference of zero, having scored and conceded 18 times, shows their struggle for consistency. That recent form, which includes a 1-1 draw with Arsenal and a 2-1 loss to Exeter City, leaves them 14 points adrift of league leaders Salford City.
Team news and formations
Manager Scott Brown is expected to set his side up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, with key players like goalkeeper J. Lynch and midfielder S. Rooney likely to start. The last starting XI also featured R. Bennett in defence. Rochdale, who are struggling near the bottom of the football pyramid, typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. Their recent line-up has included Sam William John Waller, S. Sherring, and experienced defender A. Flint. Fleetwood's full squad list is available for review.
Recent form and context
Rochdale's form offers an opportunity for the hosts, with their last five results featuring four losses and a single draw. The last meeting between these sides was a league encounter on 26 September, which Rochdale won 2-1. Fleetwood's next league assignment after the cup is a home game against 11th-placed Tranmere on 14 November, adding importance to maintaining positive momentum this weekend. The club's upcoming fixtures show a busy schedule ahead.
The FA Cup represents a welcome distraction and a potential platform for Fleetwood Town. A positive result could provide a springboard for their league campaign, which continues against Tranmere in eight days' time. The club will be hoping to use the cup run to build a more stable pattern of results as they look to climb the table.
