x

Saints Look To Clear The Path To Wembley

After being drawn at home to Sunderland in the last 16 of the EFL Cup, Saints know they have a great chance of a semi final place if they despatch the Black Cats.

With several more premier League clubs going out of the League Cup this week Saints are once again looking at a draw that could clear a path towards their first Wembley appearance in a major cup final since they lost to Nottingham Forest in the same competition in 1979.

If they take care of Sunderland in the next round to be played on 25/26th October then they will be in a quarter final draw that would see at best only another five Premier League clubs in the hat and at least two of the so called big six being eliminated.

Although there are only two ties that guarantee a non Premier League club going through, both Reading and Bristol City may fancy their chances of an upset against Arsenal and Hull respectively.

So if Saints do beat Sunderland, a team who like Palace were prior to yesterday, have been a thorn in our side in cup competitions in recent years, knocking us out of both the FA & League cups in 2013/14, then we will be in a last 8 that could open up a path to at least a semi final and possibly more.

This is a competition that could prove our best chance of success this season so we need to grasp the opportunities that it may offer.

What to read next:

TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Braintree Town
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Braintree Town.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Braintree Town
Braintree Town’s first visit to Spotland on Saturday will be refereed by GARRETH RHODES.
Refwatch - Hartlepool United v Rochdale
Dale’s midweek trip to Hartlepool United on Tuesday will be refereed by MARTIN WOODS.
Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
Dale’s game at Eastleigh on Saturday will be refereed by AARON FARMER.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Solihull Moors
Referee JAMES BANCROFT will officiate at Spotland for the first time when he takes charge of Dale’s home fixture against Solihull Moors on Saturday.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Solihull Moors
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Solihull Moors.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Maidenhead United
Dale’s first home midweek game of the season against Maidenhead United on Tuesday will be refereed by PAUL COOPER.
Refwatch - Aldershot Town v Rochdale
Dale’s televised game at Aldershot Town on Saturday will be refereed by JAMES DURKIN.
Dale loan Ipswich Winger & Sassi To Return?
A busy Transfer Deadline Day for Premier League and EFL clubs has seen plenty of movement and we're involved in it as well.
The RochdaleAFC.com Podcast Episode 81
Jacob, Luke and Dean talk through a mixed bag of results over the first few weeks of the season, striking struggles and an improved defensive record.