Rovers hit the road this weekend in Sky Bet League One when they face leaders Luton Town on Saturday.
Rovers will be looking for their first win in seven games when they head south, though last weekend’s goalless draw against local rivals Barnsley was a strong showing from Grant McCann’s men.
The hosts on the other hand are flying at the top of League One, and they are unbeaten in 25 league games, with a 2-2 draw at home to Gillingham their latest result in a remarkable run.
Brief history of Luton Town
Luton play at the 10,356-capacity Kenilworth Road stadium, which has been their home since 1905.
They are nicknamed the Hatters, which comes from the historical connection with the hat making industry in the town, which has been prominent since the 17th century.
The Hatters returned to League One this season following a 10-year absence from the third tier, gaining promotion from League Two in second place last season. They were promoted following a 1-1 draw away at Carlisle United in April, capping off a remarkable season that would see them beat Yeovil Town 8-2 on the opening day at home, as well as picking up a 7-1 win at home to local rivals Stevenage, and a 7-0 victory over Cambridge United, also at Kenilworth Road.
Who’s the gaffer?
Mick Harford is the man in charge of the Hatters, having taken interim charge until the end of the season following the departure of Nathan Jones to Stoke City. Harford is considered a legend around Kenilworth Road, winning the League Cup with the Hatters as a player in 1988, whilst helping to lead them to a Football League Trophy win in 2009 during a previous spell in charge.
Harford has taken charge of 13 games during this interim spell, winning eight, drawing four and losing just once in the FA Cup, leaving him with a win percentage of 61.54 per cent.
Ones to watch
Danny Hylton
The Hatters’ main man up top has developed a reputation for being one of the EFL’s most prolific strikers over the last two seasons. Hylton’s record in 2016/17 and 2017/18 were completely identical, scoring 21 goals in 39 game in League Two. He was rewarded for his form in both years with a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, with the first one alongside John Marquis and James Coppinger, also being named in the shortlist alongside the pair in the division’s Player of the Year award in 2017. Hylton previously enjoyed seven years with Aldershot Town, a season with Rotherham United, and two seasons with Oxford United before his move to Kenilworth Road.
Sonny Bradley
The central defender signed for the Hatters over the summer following two seasons with Plymouth Argyle. Bradley began his career with hometown team Hull City, however after various loan spells away, he signed for Portsmouth in 2013, before signing for Crawley Town the year after. Two seasons with Crawley were followed by his two with Argyle, helping them to promotion alongside Rovers from League Two, also being named in the Team of the Year alongside John Marquis and James Coppinger.
Andrew Shinnie
The one-time Scottish international signed for the Hatters over the summer following his departure from Birmingham City. After beginning his career with Glasgow Rangers, he made a move to fellow Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, enjoying two seasons in the Scottish Premiership which would ultimately lead to his move to Birmingham in 2013. After three seasons with the Blues, Shinnie would return to Scotland for a season on loan, this time making a temporary switch to Hibernian, helping the Edinburgh-based side to the Scottish Championship title in 2017. After spending last season on loan at Kenilworth Road and helping the Hatters to promotion from League Two, Shinnie finally departed St. Andrews, making his switch to Bedfordshire a permanent one in June.
Who’s the ref?
John Busby will be the man in the middle when the two sides meet on Saturday, and you can read more about him here.
Last time out
Rovers came out on top when the two sides met at the Keepmoat Stadium back in September, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Matty Blair and Ben Whiteman. Blair opened the scoring inside seven minutes, before Elliot Lee levelled for the Hatters right on the stroke of half-time.
Almost immediately after the break though, Rovers went on the front foot and it would be Whiteman who struck from the edge of the box inside the first minute of the second period to give Rovers three points.
Tickets for Rovers next Sky Bet League One home game against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday March 26 are still available via the Club Doncaster Box Office. Purchase yours now by either visiting in-store at the Keepmoat Stadium, by calling on 01302 762576, or online at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.