7.45 Tuesday 28th August 2018
Not all hero's where capes, a cliché, but one that nevertheless perfectly fits the bill for Terry McPhillips who has steered Blackpool away from the prospect of complete capitulation and helped them to achieve 6 points in the league so far. Since Gary Bowyer vacating Bloomfield Road McPhillips has defied all the odds to keep afloat a sinking ship and now has the opportunity to help the Seasiders on their way to the third round of the League Cup. Having seen off a form Barnsley side a very different challenge awaits, as Blackpool travel away from the confines of Bloomfield Road to visit the Keepmoat and Doncaster Rovers.
Doncaster Rovers
Currently sat in 7th position, 2 points ahead of Pool, Doncaster have displayed all the signs of what could make a good season in South Yorkshire. Donny, who were founded in 1879, play their home football at the Keepmoat, which has a capacity of 15,231. Following promotion from League Two in the 2016/17 season they managed to maintain their status last year as they finished in 15th position on 56 points.
At present their manager, Grant McCann, has masterminded a complete overhaul of players during the Summer; with 11 arrivals paired with the 11 that have left the club. There were no huge departures unlike at Blackpool, with McCollough and Baudry arguably being the two biggest losses. The incomings however 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 the likes of Paul Taylor. They are a force to be reckoned with this year due to the squad's depth and well balanced nature.
Learn more here - https://us.soccerway.com/teams/england/doncaster-rovers-fc/724/
Club Website - https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/
The Stats
Blackpool have scored, on average, 0.8 goals per match which is lesser than the 1.2 that Donny have scored. Both teams have conceded just 0.6 goals per match which is good for League One. 100% of Donny's goals have come in the second half of games which means that, even if Blackpool have an advantage going into half time, Doncaster have the capability of coming back. The majority of Doncaster goals have come just after the break also, so they pack a punch after the half time team talk. Their average possession is 52% meaning they are a team that like to pass it around, although with Blackpool's counter attacking nature and pace, this could play into Pool's hands. Not only this, but Doncaster have slowed up as of late, with their recent form being LDD. Doncaster, nevertheless, will doubtlessly be tough to beat and wont make it easy for Blackpool to progress onto the next round.
Last Meeting:
Manager Previews:
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Prediction: 1-1 and Blackpool to Win on Penalties
Doncaster have draw two in a row and I think they might do again. Blackpool will give fringe players a run out and it is likely Doncaster will follow suit meaning that the game will lack real fluidity. Last season in the League there was goals when Blackpool visited Doncaster, but I doubt there will be as many this time around. Doncaster will be tough to beat so I think a draw is likely; as for the penalties, I have gone for Blackpool due to the fact that I think they may have more players on the field with a point to prove.
UTP
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