Preview: Doncaster Rovers vs. Carlisle United - prediction, team news, lineups

However, it will be a tough test for the home side, as the visitors are fourth in the table, and come into the match off the back of two consecutive wins.

Match preview

Doncaster's main problem this season has been inconsistency, and this is highlighted best by the fact that they have not won managed back-to-back victories in League Two since the beginning of October.

However, a 2-1 loss against Hartlepool United followed those wins, before previous manager Gary McSheffrey was relieved of his duties later in the month, after suffering a 3-0 defeat away against Saturday's opponents.

Danny Schofield is very much unlikely to face the same fate if his side do not record a win against the same club on Sunday, but they will need to improve on some of their recent performances, as they looked lacklustre in a 3-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers, who had not won in 10.

In their last match, Donny ran out 4-3 winners at home against Rochdale, displaying their attacking qualities, but in truth they probably made it more difficult than it should have been against the team 23rd in the league table.

Only an 81st-minute Tom Anderson strike separated the two sides, and the Rovers defence will need to sharpen up on Sunday, given the attacking qualities of their opponents.

Indeed, Carlisle have scored 36 goals in League Two this term, the second-highest amount of any side, having scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Not only that, but the Bluebirds have exhibited their defensive acumen by keeping clean sheets in their last two matches, with one of these coming in an important 1-0 home win against playoff-rivals Bradford City.

While Paul Simpson's side have recorded some impressive wins at Brunton Park, in truth, it is away from home where they have particularly flourished, with 21 goals on the road being the highest total in the league.

This record was improved upon last time out, when Carlisle ran out comfortable 3-0 winners away at Crewe Alexandra, with Morgan Feeney, Owen Moxon and Krystian Dennis all helping themselves to goals.

As a consequence, the Bluebirds are now just four points off the automatic promotion places, and they will be hoping to continue this push for the top three against a side that they have only lost against once in their last five encounters.

Doncaster Rovers League Two form:

W

L

L

W

L

W

Carlisle United League Two form:

D

W

D

L

W

W

Carlisle United form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

W

W

Team News

Doncaster's Jon Taylor went off injured after just 15 minutes in the match against Tranmere, leaving the stadium on crutches, so he was not deemed fit enough to make the squad against Rochdale.

As such, Kyle Hurst is likely to keep his place on the left of a three-pronged attack, with George Miller in the middle and Luke Molyneux on the right.

Danny Schofield did not see fit to make any changes until after the 80th minute last time out, perhaps indicating a lack of faith in the players at his disposal on the bench, so he is unlikely to ring the changes.

However, opposite number Paul Simpson may be forced into doing so, with his side particularly struggling with hamstring problems at the moment.

Jack Ellis, Taylor Charters and Jack Stretton were all withdrawn early with the same issue on Thursday, so Jayden John-Lloyd Harris, Sonny Hilton and Krystian Dennis may all come into the side.

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:

Mitchell; Knoyle, Williams, Anderson; Seaman, Biggins, Close, Maxwell; Molyneux, Miller, Hurst

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Holy; John-Lloyd Harris; Feeney, Huntington, Mellish, Armer; Guy, Moxon, Hilton; Dennis, Gibson

We say: Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Carlisle United

Doncaster have been showing inconsistent signs all season, and that is why we do not expect them to follow up their midweek victory with another three points on Sunday.

Not only that, but Carlisle have emerged as one of League Two's better teams this season, particularly away from home, and they are very capable of recording a comfortable victory.

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