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Gillinghamvs.Doncaster

sportsmole.co.uk, 25 April 2024, 10:40
Everything is on the line this Saturday in the final League Two game of the season, as Doncaster Rovers require just one point to guarantee themselves a place in the playoffs.

They will travel to face Gillingham in the curtain closer, aiming to continue their impressive 11-match undefeated streak.

Match preview

Gillingham narrowly missed out on being involved in the permutations for the League Two playoffs, with ninth place being the highest they can achieve, but they can still have a major impact on which teams feature in them.

The hosts have the chance to play the ultimate spoiler this weekend and bring an end to the hard work that Doncaster have been putting together in recent months.

A victory for the Gills would put the visitors under real pressure, especially if Crawley Town were to win. Then, it would be a matter of goal difference between them as to who finishes in the playoffs.

However, Gillingham will need a stronger performance than their most recent outing, in which they gave up a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 against promoted side Mansfield Town.

Stephen Clemence's men have been much stronger at home this season, though, losing only five games at Priestfield throughout the campaign, which should provide the team with confidence.

However, after winning 10 matches in a row, the visitors will not be short on self-belief either. Their incredible run of form has completely turned their season around.

A team that few people would have predicted for a playoff position only a few months ago has showcased just how much of an impact consistency can have on a season. They now sit just 90 minutes away from extending their campaign by at least two more matches.

Even though Rovers have been dominant in recent games, they do not need to win this weekend to guarantee their place in the playoffs. Mathematically, just one point is all they require.

Of course, if Crawley were to draw or lose, then Grant McCann's team could also afford to be beaten, but there is no doubt that they will not be looking to rely on other results and will be attempting to get the job done themselves.

Doncaster blew Colchester United away in their most recent outing with a 4-1 win featuring four different goal scorers, highlighting the team's quality across the squad.

Gillingham League Two form:

W

D

L

L

W

L

Doncaster Rovers League Two form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

George Lapslie was injured and unable to play for Gillingham last weekend, and that will likely remain the case for the final match of the season.

That issue opened up an opportunity for Dom Jefferies to start his first game since February, and he hopes to retain that spot.

Harrison Biggins and Tom Anderson were brought into the Doncaster starting lineup against Colchester, and after rewarding McCann's decision with a goal, each of them will likely keep their places in the team.

After such a dominant win, there is a high chance that the team that starts on Saturday will not be altered, with the visitors simply aiming to continue riding their wave of momentum.

Gillingham possible starting lineup:

Lineup here

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:

Lo-Tutala; Sterry, Anderson, Wood, Maxwell; Craig, Bailey; Molyneux, Anderson, Adelakun; Ironside

We say: Gillingham 0-3 Doncaster Rovers

Gillingham have had a strong season, but with nothing to play for this weekend, it is unlikely that they are going to dampen the run that Doncaster are enjoying.

The visitors will secure their place in the playoffs and continue to build the momentum that they have heading into that competition.

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