Prediction Rotherham United vs Oldham Athletic 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 07/10/2025

Big night at AESSEAL New York Stadium sets stage for a tactical scrap

The EFL Trophy returns to Rotherham on October 7 and the mood around AESSEAL New York Stadium will be one of impatience mixed with expectation. Rotherham United head into the Northern Group Stage clash off a mixed bag of results: a draw with Bradford City on October 2 after a run that has included more defeats than wins. Despite a low points return from their group opener, the underlying numbers show a side that gets forward — the hosts average a striking 101 attacks and 53 dangerous attacks per match, figures that outstrip Oldham Athletic by a clear margin. That attacking appetite will be the backbone of Rotherham’s case; playing at home, they’ll be expected to press and try to turn territory into goals.

Oldham arrive with momentum but defensive wobble

Oldham Athletic come south after a convincing spell away from home earlier in the month that included three wins in their prior five fixtures, but their most recent outing was a bruising 3-1 reverse to Notts County. The visitors’ stats paint a contrasting picture to Rotherham’s: fewer overall attacks (52 on average) and a smaller share of dangerous opportunities (26). Those numbers suggest Oldham will look to be compact, disciplined and punishing on transition rather than dominate possession. Crucially, Oldham conceded five goals in their opening group game — a vulnerability Rotherham will be keen to exploit, especially with the match taking place at a stadium built to give the home side momentum.

What the recent form and data tell us

Form lines for both clubs carry caveats. Rotherham’s sequence of results read like a side searching for consistency — draws and narrow defeats peppered with the occasional win — while Oldham’s pattern shows a more positive recent spell but with a susceptibility at the back when pushed by stronger opponents. Shots and finishing figures are close: both sides registered nine to ten shots in recent fixtures and two shots on target each, suggesting the difference could come down to finishing and set-piece moments. The historical head-to-head for these clubs is thin but evenly matched, with the last recorded meeting finishing 1-1 in 2018, hinting at a tendency toward tight encounters when they meet.

Prediction and betting suggestion

Given the home side’s greater attacking intent, combined with Oldham’s defensive frailties in the group stage and a desire for Rotherham to put a sputtering run right in front of their supporters, the balance of probabilities leans toward a narrow home victory. Expect a competitive, low-to-moderate scoring affair where Rotherham’s pressure makes the difference late on.

Betting suggestion: Back Rotherham United to win (1X2).