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

Sutton United will make the trip to face Doncaster Rovers as they attempt to get out of the relegation zone, while the hosts sit just four points above the bottom two.

Match preview

Doncaster Rovers have had a very tricky start to the 2023-24 League Two campaign, having won only three of their 12 fixtures to this point, which has left the club just above the relegation zone.

The Vikings are only four points ahead of the bottom two places, and while that means they are mathematically unable to drop into that this weekend, they will not want that gap to shrink.

Grant McCann's men battled a five-goal thriller in midweek against Mansfield Town in the Football League Trophy, with goals from Ben Close and Joe Ironside ultimately meaning nothing after they conceded in the 88th minute.

The lack of concentration at the end of the game is something the Vikings will have been left frustrated with, particularly on the back of a 1-0 defeat against Stockport County.

However, Doncaster Rovers have been stronger at home this season with two wins and two draws out of their six matches, and that should inject some belief into the squad.

The visitors currently sit in the relegation zone with only goal difference keeping them off the foot of the table after a tough start to the campaign.

Sutton United have only managed to win two games in League Two this season, with a big weakness being the defensive side of the game as they have conceded 26 goals so far.

While no team has let in more than them, the Yellows have managed to keep consecutive clean sheets heading into this weekend, picking up victories in both matches at the same time.

It took a penalty shootout for Sutton United to defeat Crawley Town in the Football League Trophy after a goalless draw, but the defensive improvements will have been welcomed.

Meanwhile, Matt Gray's men secured an impressive 4-0 victory during their most recent League Two outing, and a repeat of that result this weekend could potentially take them out of the relegation zone.

Doncaster Rovers League Two form:

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Doncaster Rovers form (all competitions):

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Sutton United League Two form:

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Sutton United form (all competitions):

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Team News

Ironside and Close will be hoping to retain their individual places in the starting lineup for the hosts after they each got on the scoresheet in midweek.

Academy star Will Flint also got the chance to start against Mansfield Town, and he could end up finding himself featuring again at the weekend after impressing.

After scoring a brace last weekend it is likely that Harry Smith will retain his place in the Sutton United team, likely partnering Aiden O'Brien.

Dean Bouzanis is also set to make a return to the starting lineup for the visitors after being rested in midweek, while Omari Patrick will be providing the width throughout the match.

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:

Jones; Flint, Bailey, Anderson, Olowu, Molyneux; Rowe, Close, Broadbent; Ironside, Faal

Sutton United possible starting lineup:

Bouzanis; Kizzi, Sowunmi, Goodlife, Hart; Coley, Clay, N'Guessan, Patrick; O'Brien, Smith

We say: Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Sutton United

Both of these teams will be desperate to pick up some points as they try to push away from the situation they are in at the moment.

However, that in itself is something that could lead to Doncaster Rovers and Sutton United playing out a draw, especially due to the lack of confidence in each squad.

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