"Starting with the hosts, while Rochdale might have suffered play-off heartbreak last season as they missed out on the chance to book a lucrative League Two return, Jimmy McNulty's men certainly haven't shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Getting their final showdown of 2025 underway leading the chase at the top of the National League standings, the Dale will be looking to make another statement here."
"As for the visitors, while Eastleigh might have signed off November in the midst of what was an eye-catching flurry, the Stags have largely come crashing back down to earth. Last seen over the weekend putting in a downbeat display on home soil as they fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Scunthorpe, Nicky Featherstone's men have watched their play-off dreams take a real blow."
Rochdale sit top of the National League and begin the final 2025 fixture leading the promotion chase. Rochdale have won seven consecutive matches across all competitions, including a 3-0 win at Altrincham and a 2-1 Boxing Day victory at Morecambe. Rochdale have taken 12 points from their last five home league games and have not conceded at Spotland since the end of October. Hartlepool have failed to win in four matches (three defeats, one draw) and lost 2-1 at home to Scunthorpe. Hartlepool's FA Trophy run ended with a shock 2-1 loss to eighth-tier Antsy Nomads. Tuesday's match at Spotland pits form leaders against struggling visitors.
Read at Soccer News
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