Five consecutive wins in all competitions , ten clean sheets and seventh in the table, statistically speaking Blackpool stand in good stead heading into their trip to The Keepmoat; their second visit this season. What a worthwhile trip that first one was too, proving to ultimately be the second stepping stone on Blackpool’s Carabao Cup journey to the Emirates. Doncaster will be back with vengeance and holding the stark realisation that the very journey that Blackpool had could have been their own. It’s a match that on paper is Blackpool’s toughest since Arsenal and one that will have plenty of animosity simmering beneath the surface.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Blackpool may see Callum Guy and Mark Cullen left out after being rested on Saturday through injury; McPhillips however has since described the injuries as ‘just niggles’. Jimmy Ryan, who has been reported to be on schedule in returning to fitness, and Max Clayton remain sidelined for the time being.
For Doncaster Joe Wright remains injured, while Tom Anderson returns from suspension after being sent off against Chorley.
Doncaster Rovers:
If there were to be a fixture that Rovers fans would like to avoid it is most certainly this one. Blackpool have been Donny’s Achilles heal in recent time having won nine out of their last thirteen meetings and remaining undefeated in their last ten away from home against them. But when does the record book ever seem to replicate what truly happens, Doncaster sit behind the Seasiders by two points in 8th and have the opportunity to leapfrog Pool and I wouldn’t bet against them doing just that.
Doncaster have experience and youth intermingled within their squad and with McCollough and Baudry arguably being the two biggest losses in the summer, there has been a clear growth in the quality too. The incomings have been of much more worth and have helped Donny achieve their current league position. A number of youth promotions have provided balance to the side with talent such as Tom Anderson, who joined from Burnley, and the experience of Paul Taylor and the like. But the man who has had the most fruitful season is Doncaster’s very own talisman, John Marquis, and with 9 goals already this season, he will be the man that the Seasiders will be looking to quieten. They are a force to be reckoned with this year due to the squad's depth and well-balanced nature.
Blackpool have one game in hand on Doncaster and a two point advantage, but Doncaster are no slouches. A flying start to the season left them challenging in the playoffs but, with just one win in six games, or two in nine, Rovers have slowly slid down to their current eight position. Rovers play an open high scoring, high conceding playing style which is truly contrary to Blackpool’s more disciplined approach. Having scored 1.47 per game and conceding 1.37 they are sure to put on a show, but with a form Seasiders coming to Town a show might not be quite enough.
Blackpool will have to be at their best to see off Doncaster, but it is a challenge they are well up to for sure. Beat Rovers and there is only Friday to worry about, with the BBC laying out a banana skin at Solihull, a very different challenge indeed.
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