Doncaster are the hosts tonight as Crewe make their first trip to Belle Vue in 12 years. Having failed to find a winner against Northampton, Crewe are looking for their first win of the season as they look to repeat the superb away form that saw them promoted from this division last time around. Doncaster, meanwhile, have been widely tipped for the play-offs this season. However, despite also facing one of the promoted sides in Carlisle, Doncaster got off to a losing start as Carlisle came away 1-0 victors.
Doncaster Team News:
New signing James O’Connor could be in line to make his debut tonight, following his summer move from Bournemouth. O’Connor missed Saturday’s defeat at Carlisle with a stomach injury. Sean McDaid should also recover from a leg injury in time to play.
Rovers boss Dave Penney left midfielder Sean Thornton out of Saturday’s starting line up, along with Mark McCammon and Jason Price. At least one of that trio is expected to return to the starting line up, with Kevin Horlock possibly making way.
Player to watch: Sean Thornton
The talented midfielder surprised many last summer as he left Sunderland to join Rovers for £175k. After a good season last year, the midfielder appears to have fallen out of favour, or perhaps fallen out with Dave Penney? The midfielder has been known to have attitude problems, so Crewe will be hoping that any such problems restrict him from influencing the game.
Crewe Team News:
Crewe are without livewire forward Luke Rodgers, who has sustained an achilles injury. Rodgers’ absence means Nicky Maynard will make his full debut, having impressed as a late substitute on Saturday. Michael Higdon will continue in the big striker role, though Pavol Suhaj has been added to the squad as back-up.
Darran Kempson will continue to partner Julien Baudet at the back, as Neil Cox continues to struggle with a hamstring problem. New loan signing Danny O’Donnell may find himself on the bench tonight, but only if FA clearance arrives in time. Meanwhile, Lee Bell is still out with a foot injury.
Crewe line-up: Williams, Otsemobor (c), B. Jones, Kempson, Baudet, Lowe, Vaughan, Grant, G. Roberts, Maynard, Higdon.
Player to watch: Ryan Lowe
The goalscoring winger made an excellent start to his Crewe career at the weekend, as he scored one of Crewe’s goals and set up the other. Lowe’s crossing ability will hopefully prove damaging, with Michael Higdon the likely recipient.
Match Facts & Stats
MS+F In the 85 meetings between the sides, Crewe have won 28, Doncaster have won 34 with 23 draws. The last encounter produced Crewe’s highest ever win against Doncaster, and equal highest win ever, as they thrashed Rovers 8-0 in the LDV Vans Trophy.
Ref Watch:
G J Sutton
Match Prediction:
Doncaster 3-2 Crewe