Doncaster Rovers

Dean Saunders men will be looking to continue the form shown in the last two home games and collect maximum points, at the Keepmoat, for the third game in succession. 

Last time out Rovers travelled to the County Ground to face a Swindon Town side that was tipped as one of the league favorites by many ahead of the season start.

That game ended honors even, although Dean admitted that his side were ‘battered’at times. The game highlighted the defensive stability that Saunders has brought to the side who now boast the best defensive record in the division.

Rovers have an added incentive this weekend as victory could potentially see them take top spot in League One with Tranmere and Sheffield United playing each other at Bramall Lane.

For the superstitious it’s arguably one of the unluckiest numbers around, but Rovers record v Coventry City reads, 6-6-6. That’s six wins for both sides and six games where the points have been shared. 

So, Rovers will be looking to get their noses in front both in the match this weekend and in the overall records and somewhat strangely, every one of the games between the two teams have taken place in the Football League with no cup clashes having taken place to date.

Home is where the heart is when you look at the stats for this weekend’s fixture. Rovers have never lost at home in the nine times they have played against the Sky Blues in Doncaster, winning four and drawing five games. 

Rovers have scored fifteen goals against Coventry with the visitors netting only five and it was at home where the biggest score between the sides was played. Rovers scoring eight against City in their first visit to South Yorkshire but the last three fixtures have seen the points shared.

The last time Rovers tasted victory was in 2008 when Richie Wellens netted the only goal of the game in the first half at the Keepmoat, some may say that we are due another victory over Coventry and with Dean Saunders’ men in fine form at home you would be hard pressed to bet against it.

Rovers – 1 - Hayter 

Coventry – 1 –Clingan

Team - Neil Sullivan; Pascal Chimbonda, Richard Naylor, Shelton Martis, George Friend; Giles Barnes, Simon Gillett, Brian Stock, Herita Ilunga; Kyle Bennett, James Hayter

Midfielders David Syers (ankle) and Martin Woods (thigh) are both doubts for the game.

Jamie McCombe has recovered from a back fracture and virus and is available for selection.

A bright day expected with the chance of the odd shower.

Temperature: 7oC – 8oC

Delays at the Lakeside Shopping Village roundabout due to ongoing roadworks. Access to the stadium via the Middlebank roundabout.