Dagenham and Redbridge vs Chippenham Town on 7 February
On February 7, 2026, two of the National League's most intriguing sides, Dagenham & Redbridge and Chippenham Town, will face off at Victoria Road. This clash promises to be a high-stakes affair as both teams look to push forward in their campaigns. With just a few months left in the season, the result of this match could significantly influence both teams' ambitions—whether it's securing playoff spots or avoiding relegation. For Dagenham & Redbridge, the focus is on continuing their momentum as they eye the upper echelons of the table, while Chippenham Town will be hoping for a much-needed turnaround. But what will be the decisive tactical elements in this encounter? Let’s break it down.
Dagenham and Redbridge: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Dagenham & Redbridge have been in solid form in recent weeks, with a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last five games. Their tactical approach revolves around a compact 4-4-2 system that transitions quickly from defense to attack, with an emphasis on high pressing and quick ball recovery. They rely on pace in wide areas and precise through balls to break down opposition defenses, particularly exploiting the space left behind by advanced full-backs.
Statistically, Dagenham ranks highly in possession in the final third (around 34%), a testament to their controlled attacking style. They average 5.2 shots on target per game, underscoring their clinical nature in the final third. The pressing game is key for them, with a high pressing rate of 150 actions per 90 minutes. Their defensive record is solid, with a pass completion rate of 81%, showing their ability to maintain possession and build from the back when needed.
Key to their success is midfielder , who is central to dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks. Timlin’s experience provides the stability in midfield, allowing Dagenham to balance their aggressive forward movements with a solid defensive base. Striker has been in excellent form, leading the charge up front with his goal-scoring instinct and link-up play. However, the team will be without key defender , who is sidelined due to injury. This will force Dagenham to potentially shift their defensive setup, which could leave them vulnerable to set-pieces and aerial threats.
Chippenham Town: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Chippenham Town, in contrast, have had a more inconsistent run recently, with only 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last five outings. They predominantly operate with a 4-3-3 formation that focuses on maintaining a solid midfield structure while seeking quick counters. They excel in transitioning the ball from defense to attack through direct passes, often looking for to deliver a quality final ball to their forwards.
Chippenham’s key stats include an average of 47% possession, indicating their more direct and counter-attacking style, which contrasts with Dagenham’s dominance in the final third. They create 4.1 chances per game, but their xG (expected goals) tally of 1.2 suggests they need to be more clinical. Defensively, they are solid but not impervious, with a defensive error rate slightly higher than the league average, which could give Dagenham opportunities to exploit space.
The key figure for Chippenham is striker , whose pace and technical ability can be a game-changer on the counter. However, they will miss the presence of in midfield due to suspension, weakening their control in the center of the park. This could force the team to rely more heavily on the defensive capabilities of to stem the tide and break up Dagenham’s attacking moves.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The historical head-to-head between these two clubs has been relatively even in recent years, with Dagenham edging the encounters 2-1 in the last 5 meetings. The most recent match ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Dagenham, where a second-half surge ensured they claimed all three points. In general, these teams tend to engage in high-energy affairs with plenty of goals, underlining their attacking focus. Chippenham has struggled to contain Dagenham’s fast-paced game, while Dagenham has often had difficulty dealing with the aerial threat posed by Chippenham's forwards.
Psychologically, Dagenham will come into this match with more confidence, given their superior form and recent victories over teams near the top of the table. Chippenham, on the other hand, will need to overcome their inconsistent displays and find a way to disrupt Dagenham’s flow. If they fail to do so, they risk being dragged further into the relegation battle.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most crucial battle in this match will be in midfield. will have the task of dictating the tempo, but Chippenham’s is a dynamic force who can break up possession and spring the counter. If Chippenham can stifle Timlin’s influence and disrupt Dagenham’s possession play, they will have a solid foundation for a surprise result.
Another key battle will be the battle for aerial superiority. Chippenham’s tall forwards, including , will aim to take advantage of Dagenham’s defensive reshuffle in the absence of . Dagenham’s defenders, who are relatively shorter, must be physical in the air to neutralize this threat. The outcome of this duel could significantly influence both teams' chances of scoring.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match is expected to be a high-paced encounter, with Dagenham looking to dominate possession and exploit the width of the pitch. Chippenham will likely sit deeper, looking to absorb pressure and hit Dagenham on the counter. If Dagenham's attackers, particularly , can find space between the lines, they could be in for a productive evening. However, Chippenham’s physicality and direct play will make them dangerous on set-pieces and counter-attacks.
Given Dagenham’s superior form, home advantage, and more balanced squad, they are the favorites heading into this match. A 2-1 victory for Dagenham seems the most likely outcome, with both teams finding the back of the net. The most probable metrics to watch for are a high number of crosses (Dagenham), shots on target (Dagenham), and a relatively high number of fouls (Chippenham, who will need to disrupt Dagenham’s rhythm).
Final Thoughts
With their tactical fluidity and attacking prowess, Dagenham & Redbridge have the edge in this encounter, but Chippenham's resilience and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous opponents. The match will likely hinge on how well Chippenham can disrupt Dagenham’s rhythm in midfield and prevent their forwards from exploiting spaces. Can Dagenham keep their winning streak intact, or will Chippenham cause an upset on the road?
