Ollie Pearce has been sensational for York this season, netting 34 goals in the National League - eight more than the second top scorer in the division. Only six of these goals have come from the penalty spot as well, so he’s been lethal from open play and enters this massive game in good form.

Pearce has netted five goals across his last 10 matches in the National League, including each of his last two - warming up the York captain nicely to deliver again in this tussle between the top two in the National League. 

Pearce has a pretty good record against Rochdale. In the three head-to-head meetings that have taken place since 2025, Pearce has netted four goals. This includes a brace against Rochdale in York’s 4-1 win over Rochdale earlier in the season, a clash that could set a precedent for the level of entertainment we see in this clash, with Rochdale needing all three points to have a chance of automatic promotion. 

I think the goal markets in general for this game are pretty generously priced. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this game start cagey given what’s at stake, but at some point it will have to come to life - especially for Rochdale, who simply have to win to claim the sole automatic promotion place in the National League.

A draw would be enough for York, but I don’t think they can approach this game with that mentality, as Rochdale will be pushing for all three points. BTTS has landed in four of Rochdale’s last five matches across all competitions, including each of their last two games, which they managed to win to set up this intriguing final day clash.

The initial league meeting between these sides saw BTTS as York came away 4-1 winners over Rochdale, with the meeting prior also seeing BTTS as York came away 2-1 winners over Rochdale in an FA Cup qualification tie. York have won each of their last five matches across all competitions, and have only lost two of their 22 away matches in the National League this term, so they can offer a real threat to Rochdale as the travelling side here.

I really can’t see this game finishing level, it’s tough to truly see which way it will go - but I’m confident of a winner on Saturday afternoon. York would win the league and secure automatic promotion with a point, but that’s unlikely to be their approach. They've won each of their last five matches in the National League and haven’t drawn a game since 17th January. 

Only four of York’s 22 away games in the National League have ended in a draw (18%), and the context surrounding this game lends itself to a winner in either direction. Rochdale must get three points to secure automatic promotion, so if the game is level late on, then Rochdale should push on and leave space, which could lead to York stealing a late winner as Rochdale flood forward.

Rochdale have only drawn one of their 22 home games in the National League this season, so neither of these sides have been drawing games regularly this season, setting the stage for a winner in this truly unique clash, which should also see goals.