Oldham Athletic v Doncaster Rovers FA Cup Round 1 Match Preview
by The Rovers Review
After a nervy 2-2 draw with Wycombe last Saturday in the league, we now turn to the FA Cup first round where Rovers are playing Oldham Athletic.
Ross Etheridge is expected to be given a chance to redeem himself after not impressing in his previous league games that he's played in. Marosi will be fit again for the match, but I can see Marosi being rested because it looks as though he will be keeping the number one jersey after all.
Ferguson says he does want to give the competition a go, but with Rowe 50/50 from his injury last Saturday I can see him being rested so that he is 100% fit for Exeter next Saturday. This opens some possibilities for Alfie Beestin and Will Longbottom, who will be chomping at the bit for a start to try and impress Darren Ferugson and cause him selection headaches.
Joe Wright and Paul Keegan will have a look-in to start after not featuring as of late, meaning rests could be given to Andy Butler and Jordan Houghton who have played in most games this season.
Frazer Richardson may come into contention for a start, depending on how his rehab is going on his way back from injury - same goes for Alcock too.
Rovers won't just be coming up against Oldham, but we'll also be against our former midfielder Paul Green, who almost re-signed for Rovers last summer before choosing to move to the North West.
Last time we faced Oldham was in December 2015, where we won 2-1 with two goals from the currently injured Andy Williams - and one was an absolute 'belter'! Last time we faced them in FA Cup, however, was in December 2014, where won 1-0 at their place with an own goal from their defender.
Overall Rovers have a good record v Oldham: winning 8, drawing 16 and losing 8 since 1938 - not bad at all. Let's hope that dominance remains this weekend, so we can progress to the second round.
Predicted lineup v Oldham Athletic
Etheridge; Mason, Baudry, Wright; Keegan, Calder, Evina, Blair, Beestin; Mandeville
