Rovers return to league action on Saturday with the visit of Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.
It’s been an eventful week for Rovers, with the abandonment of the game at The Valley on Saturday and our exit from the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, however manager Paul Dickov has said that his players must draw a line under those games and go into Saturday with a fresh mind.
Dickov was left disappointed in the manner of the abandonment of the Charlton game with his side in control.
Rovers took a three-goal lead within the opening half hour of the fixture, however, with 18 minutes of the first half remaining the adverse weather disrupted Rovers’ flow with referee Lee Collins suspending play with a view to clear the playing surface of excess water.
Play did resume some thirty minutes later, however the fixture was abandoned at half time after the officials agreed that it should not continue on the grounds of player safety.
After the game Paul revealed that both he and Chris Powell wanted the game to continue and that he was disappointed with the manner how things transpired.
Tuesday evening saw the visit of local rivals Leeds United, in the second round of the League Cup.
The game ended in a 3-1 defeat for Paul Dickov’s side and after the game he admitted that they were the better team at times. Although it wasn’t the result that he wanted, Paul remained positive about his teams start to the campaign and challenged them to bounce back on Saturday against Bournemouth.
The Opposition
Bournemouth enter the game looking to break their duck on the road having lost both of their previous away league games heavily.
Star striker Lewis Grabban grabbed a brace as the Cherries recorded victory against Charlton Athletic on the opening day of the season.
Eddie Howe and his players travelled to Vicarage Road full of confidence after their winning start to the league campaign, however Watford proved tough opposition.
Zola’s Watford ran riot against the new boys scoring six times further proving how unforgiving a division the Sky Bet Championship can be.
They didn’t let that crushing defeat fester for too long and just one week later defied the odds to record victory over much fancied Wigan Athletic.
Howe’s side has found traveling difficult thus far and last weekend were brushed aside by Huddersfield Town at the John Smiths Stadium.
Since that defeat the south coast club have signed forward Tokelo Rantie from Malmo for an undisclosed fee.
Team News
Midfielder Paul Keegan will be available for the game after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Charlton Athletic.
James Coppinger will be assessed today after he recovers from a nasty blow he received against Leeds United.
New signing Tokelo Rantie will be unavailable as he awaits his work permit.
Bournemouth could welcome back midfielder Mohamed Coulibaly and defender Charlie Daniels.
Weather
Mainly dry with sunny spells and a brisk breeze. The chance of an odd isolated shower during the afternoon.
Travel
Although there are no scheduled road works please allow extra time for your journey to allow for any unexpected delays.
Rovers Player
Live and exclusive coverage of Doncaster Rovers v AFC Bournemouth at Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday 31st August 2013 will be available on Rovers Player from 2.30pm. Contact the commentary team via our official Twitter feed @drfc_official throughout the afternoon.