Doncaster Rovers vs. Notts County: Match build-up

August 19, 2023

Notts County will travel to the Eco-Power Stadium to play against Doncaster Rovers.

The Magpies will be looking to build on their recent win and draw, which included a win and a clean sheet, whereas the Rovers will be wanting to get their first win of the season and climb the table to build some momentum for their season. Notts go into the game with four points from a possible nine, after losing 5-1 to Sutton on the opening day, beating Grimsby 3-2 in their second match, and, most recently, drawing 0-0 at Morecambe.

One thing that Notts need to be doing differently against Doncaster is creating more in possession and being more clinical, as despite having 75% possession against Morecambe, both teams registered the same number of shots and shots on target. If Notts could do more when they are on the ball then they could dominate score lines.

A big positive from the game on Tuesday, however, is the fact that the Magpies managed to keep a clean sheet. After conceding seven in the first two, with a few defensive mistakes leading to goals, it is good to see an opposition fail to score and for Aidan Stone to get his first clean sheet for his new club.

Doncaster currently sit second from bottom after three games and one point, that draw coming in their most recent game, in a 2-2 game against Mansfield Town. Tom Nixon scored a wonder-strike in the 20th minute to take the Rovers into the lead, which was also their first league goal of the season after failing to score in the previous two. A back post header from Louis Reed brought the game level, but after an outside of the box effort from Tommy Rowe was parried out into the area by the keeper, striker Joe Ironside was there to pounce and restore the hosts lead.

However, Doncaster could not hold onto their lead for the second time in the game, with George Maris striking from distance with ten minutes of regular time to go and both sides left with a point on Tuesday.

Fixtures

Saturday 19th August 2023

Tranmere Rovers vs Salford City
Crewe Alexandra vs Walsall
Forest Green Rovers vs Newport County
Morecambe vs Bradford City
Crawley Town vs Gillingham
Colchester United vs MK Dons
Grimsby Town vs Mansfield Town
Sutton United vs AFC Wimbledon
Stockport County vs Barrow
Accrington Stanley vs Harrogate Town
Wrexham vs Swindon Town

Prediction

I can see Doncaster being quite happy to allow Notts to pass the ball around the centre of the park, although they should be a lot more defensive minded than most of the previous away teams the magpies has faced. If Notts can make them fluster at the back, by using their speed and creative outlets it may lead to a good amount of chances.

Doncaster on the other hand will be wanting to use their height against Notts, it's a common occurence for us to struggle against taller physical teams.

This shouldn't be the case completely, as I feel Notts should be able to play well.

My prediction would be 2-1 to Notts.

Match Odds

Doncaster to win 16/5 - Draw 14/5 - Notts County to win 8/11

Head to Head

Doncaster - haven't had the best of starts, they haven't won so far and have only managed to draw against Mansfield Town. Although, they are a much better outfit at their home ground.

Notts County - come into the game having draw against Morecombe, and their first win at home against Grimsby Town. Notts have enjoyed a large spell of posession based football and will want to make use of that against Doncaster.

Key Man

Doncaster; George Miller - in their recent games, Miller has been a constant threat on goal and one of Doncaster's biggest positives so far this season. If Notts can keep him at bay, it should bode well. However, he's a tricky player that likes to find space when players are least expecting it.

Notts County; Aaron Nemane - his ability to turn the opposition and get into wide areas of the pitch will be a positive threat for the magpies. If Notts can get him into the game to deliver his inviting crosses it should create plenty of opportunties.

League Table

Gillingham is currently leading the League Two table with 9 points, followed by Barrow and Crawley Town, both with 7 points. Milton Keynes Dons is in fourth place with 6 points, while Mansfield Town, Crewe Alexandra, and AFC Wimbledon are tied for fifth place with 5 points each.

Notts County is currently in 15th place with 4 points, while Doncaster Rovers is in 23rd place with only 1 point. Today's results could have a significant impact on both teams' positions in the table. A win for Notts County could potentially move them up several places, while a loss could see them drop further down the table. Similarly, a win for Doncaster Rovers could help them move out of the relegation zone, while a loss could see them fall further behind.

It's still early in the season, so there's plenty of time for both Notts County and Doncaster Rovers to improve their positions in the table. However, every point counts, and today's results could play a crucial role in determining their final standings at the end of the season. It will be interesting to see how things play out!