Rochdale vs Hartlepool Prediction & Betting Tips (30 December)

Rochdale have won 17 of their last 21 matches, and have lost 3 and drawn 0 over the same period. Over this period of 21 matches, Rochdale scored 41 goals and conceded 14. In their very last match, Rochdale played against the team and the match ended with a result of 2 - 1. For their part, Hartlepool have won 8 in their last 24 meetings, with 10 draws and 6 losses conceded.

In their last meeting, Hartlepool faced the team for a final result of 1 - 2. Between Rochdale who are currently 1st in the National League with a total record of 17 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats, and Hartlepool ranked 9th in the National League and presenting a total record of 8 wins, 10 draws and 6 defeats, we see the victory of Rochdale.

The historical context between these two clubs adds another layer of intrigue. Rochdale have had the upper hand in recent meetings, including a 3–0 win away at Hartlepool in September 2024 and a commanding 5–1 victory in April 2025 that secured their place in the National League play‑offs. Those results reflect a pattern in which Rochdale’s attacking structure has repeatedly found ways to exploit Hartlepool’s defensive vulnerabilities. With both sides now deep into the winter schedule, fitness, squad depth, and tactical discipline will play a major role in determining how this encounter unfolds, especially given the contrasting momentum each team brings into the match.

Taking all recent form, squad news, and head‑to‑head trends into account, the balance of probability leans toward Rochdale asserting themselves once again. Their recent wins over Morecambe, Altrincham, and Eastleigh show a team that knows how to manage matches and convert pressure into goals, while Hartlepool’s uneven run suggests they may struggle to maintain control for long stretches. With that in mind, the most reasonable projection for this clash is a 3–1 scoreline, a result that reflects both Rochdale’s attacking sharpness and Hartlepool’s ability to at least find a moment of breakthrough despite the likely outcome.

• Summary: Rochdale is going head to head with Hartlepool United starting on 30 Dec 2025 at 19:45 UTC at The Crown Ground stadium, Accrington city, England. The match is a part of the National League .