softfootball.com match preview
Doncaster Rovers will be aiming for their third consecutive win as they host Crewe Alexandra at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday. Sitting level on points with the top three in League Two, Doncaster could move to the summit of the table with a victory, while Crewe, not far behind in eighth, look to continue their impressive form and keep pace with the promotion contenders.
Match Preview
Doncaster Rovers are in fine form after back-to-back wins, pushing them into the top four in League Two. Grant McCann’s men bounced back from a challenging spell in late September, which included two defeats and a draw, by earning victories against Barrow and Grimsby Town last week. Harry Clifton’s late goal secured a 1-0 win over Barrow, and Rovers followed it up with an emphatic 3-0 win away at Grimsby, with early strikes from Jordan Gibson and Luke Molyneux setting the tone.
Rovers are level on points with the top three and are pushing hard for promotion after falling short in the playoffs last season. McCann will be eager to keep the momentum going with another win on Saturday, which could see them rise to the top of the table.
Crewe Alexandra also head into this game on the back of good form, having secured five wins in their last six league matches. After a slow start to the season, Lee Bell’s side has found their rhythm, most recently defeating early leaders Gillingham 2-0, courtesy of a brace from Shilow Tracey. Crewe then followed that up with a midweek EFL Trophy victory over Harrogate Town, showing their resilience despite several injury setbacks.
Crewe, just three points behind their hosts, will aim to continue their climb up the table and move level on points with Doncaster with a win in Yorkshire.
Team News
Doncaster will likely stick with the same lineup that triumphed over Grimsby, with Richard Wood and James Maxwell still out injured, and defender Tom Anderson suspended. Owen Bailey is expected to fill in at center-back alongside Jay McGrath. Up front, veteran striker Billy Sharp, who has four goals since his summer return, will vie with Joe Ironside for the starting role. Jordan Gibson and Luke Molyneux, both in excellent form with a combined eight goals and four assists, will be key threats on the wings.
For Crewe, injuries to key forwards Kane Hemmings, Omar Bogle, and Chris Long mean Shilow Tracey, fresh off his match-winning performance against Gillingham, will continue to lead the attack, supported by advanced midfielder Jack Lankester. Youngsters Jamie Knight-Lebel and Joel Tabiner will maintain their roles in defence and midfield, with Mickey Demetriou providing experience at the back.
Predicted Lineups
Doncaster Rovers:
Sharman-Lowe; Sterry, Bailey, McGrath, Fleming; Kelly, Broadbent; Gibson, Clifton, Molyneux; Sharp
Crewe Alexandra:
Marschall; Connolly, Knight-Lebel, Demetriou; Cooney, Breckin, Tabiner, Williams, Conway; Tracey, Lankester
Softfootball Prediction
Both teams are in strong form, but with home advantage and greater attacking options available, Doncaster Rovers look poised to secure a third straight win. Crewe’s injury concerns may limit their ability to match the hosts’ firepower, though they’ll certainly provide a tough challenge.
Final score prediction: Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
