The game of the weekend in non-league is undoubtedly Rochdale vs Southend - something the TV companies agree with as it is being shown live on DAZN.
Since acceptance into the Football League in 1912, Rochdale remained floating about the bottom two professional divisions of English football, until they were relegated to non-league for the first ever time in 2023. Dale consolidated in their first season, finishing 11th, before finishing 4th last campaign but ultimately falling short in the playoffs. This year, the ambition is automatic promotion and they have started like a team on a mission.
Rochdale have made a blistering start in the National League, collecting 21 points from 8 matches with a 7-win, 0-draw, 1-loss record. They sit top of the table but need to maintain their consistency, with York, Carlisle, Forest Green and Southend breathing heavily down their necks. The only loss so far came against Brackley on the Bank Holiday Monday in August - a game in which McNulty made 11 changes.
Offensively, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe has been the standout, netting 7 goals in 8 games, making him the club’s leading scorer by a clear margin. Assists have been more shared: Harvey Gilmour leads with 3, with Devante Rodney also contributing.
Defensively, Rochdale have been tight: only 4 goals conceded across those 8 league matches, giving them one of the best goal difference figures in the league.
Southend United have opened the 2025–26 National League season with purpose, sitting fourth in the table after nine matches. Their return of five wins, three draws and just a single defeat reflects a side that has quickly found rhythm, combining a solid defensive base with a goal difference that ranks among the best in the division. Results at Roots Hall have been mixed, but away from home the Shrimpers have shown resilience and an ability to grind out points.
The hunger is clearly fuelled by the heartbreak of last season. Southend reached the play-off final, only to suffer a crushing 3-2 defeat to Oldham in extra time after briefly holding the lead. That collapse still stings, but it has sharpened their focus this campaign. With the memory of Wembley lingering, Kevin Maher’s squad look determined to turn consistency into a genuine promotion push.
The star player for Southend is undoubtedly Gus Scott-Morriss. The 28-year-old registered 17 goals last season despite playing right back and already has five goal contributions to his name this season.
While Southend have seen over 2.5 goals in 3/4 away games and Rochdale in 2/4 home, I am siding with the under. While both are strong going forward, defensively, both sides should cancel each other out, only conceding ten goals between them.
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals - 1.875 - Bet365
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