by Rich Colby

The FA Cup will be under the lights again tonight as Rovers travel to Bristol City for their FA Cup 3rd Round Replay.

In a closely contested affair, the original fixture finished 1-1.  A 50th minute hooked shot by centre-back Luke McCullough gave Rovers the lead, but a 70th minute goal from Rovers nemesis Matt Smith forced the game to a replay.  The winners of the replay will face Premier League opposition of West Ham United or Everton at home.

It is doubtful that Paul Dickov will change the side too much that battled back from two goals down to snatch a late late draw at Oldham at the weekend.  Nathan Tysons return from the subs bench to score Rovers first goal could see him earn a place in the starting line up to replace Theo Robinson.

Rovers have received a major blow in the goalkeeping department with the news that Sam Johnstone has been re-called back to Man United amid rumours of a permanent move to Preston.  Paul Dickov will be in for a long day in the office today trying to sign a replacement  Dean Furman remains on international duty and Cedric Evina remains sidelined.

Bristol City will be looking to continue their good form after their impressive 4-0 win over Notts County at the weekend.  The Robins have only lost once in their last ten games in all competitions and will also take heart from the 3-0 beating they gave Paul Dickovs men in the league at Ashton Gate.  The strikeforce of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Matt Smith will give the Rovers defence plenty of work to do for ninety minutes or maybe even longer.

Paul Dickov’s men are unbeaten in nine games on their travels.  The last defeat coming against Fleetwood back in October.  Heres hoping that goes into double figures tomorrow night and the reward of a Premier League tie in the fourth round.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Bristol City:  P 43/W 11/D 13/L 19

This week sees Doncaster Rovers announce the season ticket pricing for the 2015/16 season, swiftly followed by the new season tickets going on sale on Friday 17th January.

As an added incentive to loyal fans, there will also be a range of "money can't buy" prizes up for grabs for those committing to buying their season ticket within the first 7 days of sale.

The list of prizes is still to be fully confirmed but includes free replica shirts, the chance to take a penalty on the pitch with £50 up for grabs if you score, getting your season ticket for free, and entry into a draw to win £1879.  Full details will be released by the club from Monday 12th January.

Next season will also see reclassification of some of the pricing bands for sections of the stadium to help make it easier for supporters to secure a prime spot from which to support the team, plus other activities around the promotion of a singing section to help generate the big game atmosphere within the Keepmoat Stadium.

by Rich Colby

After another promising performance last week, Rovers are back to league action this week as they travel to Lancashire to take on Oldham Athletic.

Paul Dickovs men are unbeaten in the last four games. This has mainly come from having a sturdy defence and Dickov has taken action in the last ten days by securing the services of Reece Wabara and Enda Stevens until the end of the season, along with two and a half year deals for Andy Butler and Luke McCollough.

Rovers will be without Dean Furman for the trip to his old club as he has now joined up with South Africa to travel to the Africa Cup Of Nations.  Aside from Furman and Cedric Evina, everyone else should be available.

Oldham haven’t won a game since their defeat to Rovers back at the beginning of December in the FA Cup.  They have scored just the 1 goal and conceded 13 in their last three matches.  Whilst this will be a worry for Lee Johnson it will be a boost to Paul Dickov who will want to take full advantage.  Top scorer and former Rovers player Jonathan Fort will need to be watched carefully by McCullough and co.

Oldham and Rovers sit 13th and 14th respectively in the league, but only three points outside the play-off spots, so both teams will be striving for a win in this one.  I expect goals in a close encounter.

Come on you reds!

Overall record v Oldham:  P 40/W 17/D 15/L 8

by Paul Williams

Maybe the FA Cup is not the draw it once was and a home game in the third round against Bristol City is hardly a glamour tie. But it is a home tie and they have been as rare as snow at Christmas over the last few years.

It is also an opportunity for lower-league clubs to swell the coffers and return of JET (Jay-Emmanuel Thomas) to the Keepmoat is an interesting aspect of the visit of the current League One leaders. The Robins beat Rovers 3-0 at Ashton Gate at the start of the season but PD’s men rather self-destructed that day. Recent results suggest the gaffer may have finally found his best formation but there will have to be some tinkering over the next month as Dean Furman probably plays his final game before jetting off to captain South Africa in the Africa Cup Of Nations while the future of several loan players has yet to be officially decided. Will Richie Wellens also be risked returning from injury?

City manager Steve Cotterill is a bit of a love-hate figure with Rovers fans from previous visits with former clubs – basically, everyone loves to hate him. He has selection problems of his own but City have been taking the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy seriously this season and there’s no reason to suspect that he won’t field his strongest team for a tie that they will also view as winnable, given Rovers’ home record.

Overall record v Bristol City:  P 42/W 11/D 12/L 19

by Rich Colby

Doncaster face a tough task this weekend when they take on 2nd place Swindon Town at The County Ground.

Paul Dickov will be hoping to revive his Rovers side after back to back defeats at The Keepmoat Staduim against Notts County and Gillingham.  Nathan Tyson remains an injury doubt along with Cedric Evina but aside from those two the full squad is available.

Swindon are in fine form winning their last 5 games in a row.  Paul Dickovs men will have to keep striker and top scorer Andy Williams quiet if they want to gain any points from this fixture.  Swindon haven’t lost at the County ground once all season in a 3-2 defeat to Rochdale

Last time Rovers visited The County Ground they battled to a 1-1 draw.  A goal from striker Matt Ricthie gave Swindon the lead, but Danny Hollands own goal two minutes later gave Rovers a valuable point on their quest for the league one title.

Paul Dickov will be feeling the strain again after the last two defeats, a positive result here would boost confidence highly.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Swindon:  P 20/W 8/D 9/L 3