Doncaster Rovers v Walsall: Match Preview Doncaster Rovers v Walsall: Match Preview

Doncaster Rovers v Walsall: Match Preview

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Doncaster Rovers.
Don't forget to join us across our social media channels where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as the Saddlers return to action.

PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS

Following last weekend's Emirates FA Cup - Second Round victory over Carlisle United, attention returns to League Two as Walsall make the trip to face Doncaster Rovers on Friday evening,

Moved in a bid to avoid a potential clash with England's first knockout game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Saddlers will be hoping to make the most of their shortened turnaround as they hope to earn their first away win in what will be nine games.

Despite their home form seeing them win all of their last five league games, the same can't be said for their travels as they've drawn four and lost four since defeating Newport County in early August.

Head Coach Michael Flynn has seen his injury issues ease over recent weeks, with striker Conor Wilkinson being the attest to return to the fold as he was named on the bench for last Saturday's crushing of the Cumbrians.

With the likes of Joe Riley and Joss Labadie yet to return to action, the gaffer can be assured that he'll have quite the selection headache if and when he has a full squad to select from.

Friday's opponents, Doncaster Rovers, will arrive at the match on the back of a three-nil thumping by Colchester United, a result which sees them sit one place and one point above the Saddlers ahead of kick-off.

Rovers have won four. drawn one, and lost three of their nine home league games so far this season, and will be looking to build upon their most recent home clash, a one-nil victory over Gillingham which took place at the end of October.

FORM IN FIVE

Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Doncaster Rovers have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.

DONCASTER ROVERS
WALSALL
DLWWL
DWWDW

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Donny and the Saddlers have met on sixty-five previous occasions, and it's the Saddlers who enjoy a comfortable Head-to-Head lead, having won on thirty-two occasions compared to Rovers' twenty-four.

There have also been nine draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Doncaster's Belle Vue ground on Saturday, 19th January 1924, and saw the teams meet in a Division Three (North) clash which Rovers won by three-goals-to-nil.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting was a Carabao Cup - Round One meeting which took place at the then-Banks's Stadium on Tuesday, 10th August 2021 and saw Rovers advance to the Second Round via a post-game penalty shoot-out as the game had ended goalless.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Simon Mather, who is based in Lancashire, will be the man in the middle, whilst Robert Atkin and Bradley Hall have been named assistant referees. Anthony Moore will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
OFFICIATED
15
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
61
2
PENALTIES
AWARDED
2

CATCH THE MATCH

If you're not planning on going to the game you can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of every Saddlers game.

Not an iFollow Walsall subscriber? There are a range of options available, including monthly, annual, and gift subscriptions. For further information on the service, or to set up your subscription, click HERE.
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