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

However, the fixture is just as crucial to the visitors due to the fact they are currently in the League Two relegation zone.

Match preview

Doncaster Rovers want to end the year with a bang on Thursday night in front of their own fans, which could see them climb to just outside the playoff spaces.

Right now Danny Schofield's team sit in 12th place but due to how close the table is right now a win could potentially see them enter 2023 in eighth.

However, to achieve that Rovers will need to bring an end to their current losing streak, which was extended to four games last weekend.

Boxing Day did not bring the festivities to Doncaster fans as they saw their team defeated 3-0 by Tranmere Rovers in a match to forget.

Schofield's men were able to dominate possession throughout the game, but that was not something they could convert into chances on the day.

That is a feeling that Rochdale know all too well this season, which is why the club is currently occupying one of the two relegation places.

While they might be above Gillingham right now, there is just a single point between them that showcases how close things are at the bottom of the table.

Even though a defeat could sink Rochdale to the foot of the league, a victory could take them out of the relegation zone if other results go their way, which should bring some confidence.

Jim Bentley's team almost managed to secure a point at the weekend after Ian Henderson scored a 60th-minute equaliser against Hartlepool United, but they failed to hang onto that as Callum Cooke's goal in the 80th minute took the result to 2-1.

That is exactly the same scoreline it was earlier this season when Rochdale faced Doncaster Rovers, which they will be seeking revenge on.

Doncaster Rovers League Two form:

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Doncaster Rovers form (all competitions):

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Rochdale League Two form:

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Rochdale form (all competitions):

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Team News

Joseph Olowu's absence was felt on Saturday when Doncaster ended up conceding three goals, but it remains to be seen how well his cheekbone injury is recovering in terms of if he will be back in midweek.

George Miller was on hand to score the winner when these two teams met earlier this season, and with his performances throughout the campaign, leading the line is a role he should retain.

Henderson is likely to be the man that Rochdale look to for goals on Thursday, with Scott Quigley being the first-choice person to accompany him.

When it comes to the formation, Bentley will probably continue to rely on the solid 4-4-2, which creates a strong balance across the field for his team.

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:

Mitchell; Knoyle, Williams, Rowe; Seaman, Clayton, Close, Maxwell; Woltman, Biggins, Miller

Rochdale possible starting lineup:

O'Donnell; Keohane, Graham, Ebanks-Landell, John; Malley, Diagouraga, Ball, Odoh; Henderson, Quigley

We say: Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Rochdale

Rochdale are a team in the need of points right now considering the fact they are in the relegation zone, and with Doncaster's current poor form this could be an ideal game.

However, with Rovers having the home advantage, this could end up being another difficult fixture for the visitors.

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