Carlisle United v Doncaster Rovers Match Preview
by The Rovers Review
After drawing the previous two games, Rovers look to get back to winning ways against 3rd place, Carlisle United.
James Coppinger is expected return to the starting 11, following his absence last Friday after picking up a knock in training. It's believed he was rested over the weekend so that he could feature against Carlisle and Luton in our next two games.
Defender Mathieu Baudry is a doubt after also picking up a knock during training, but information regarding his injury seems to be bleak. Joe Wright could keep his place in defense after impressing v Newport, or Craig Alcock could fill in at centre back and Matty Blair slide back into right back, allowing Coppinger back into midfield.
Striker Liam Mandeville his halfway through his recovery so won't feature against Carlisle, which is lucky for Andy Williams, because this gives him more time to try and get back to his scoring ways, with Williams not scoring so far this year.
Head-to-heads
Carlisle have the fourth best home record in the league picking up 29 points from 15 game at home. However, they have failed to win in their last four games at home. Doncaster on the other hand, are the third best away team in the league picking up 26 points away from home from 15 games; only Plymouth and Exeter have a better record.
At home Carlisle have scored 28 goals, whereas Rovers have scored 29 on the road - so you could think that there may be a few goals in this match!
Players to watch
Midfielder, Jason Kennedy, is Carlisle's player to watch with him scoring 11 goals in total for the Cumbrians and 10 of them have come in the league. He's closely followed by striker, Jabo Ibehre, who has score 7 league goals for Carlisle this season.
Previous encounters
Last time we met was back in September 2016 at the beginning of the season where we drew 2-2, and so far I believe that they have been one of the best teams I've seen come to the Keepmoat this season.The two goals in that game came from Tommy Rowe and John Marquis.
Last time we visited their place, we won 3-1 back in league one in 2012, with goals from Rob Jones, David Cotterill and Tommy Spurr.
Overall, Rovers have won 23 games, drawn 17 and lost 23 against Carlisle since 1927, in all competitions.
Predicted lineup v Carlisle United
Lawlor; Alcock, Wright, Butler, Mason; Houghton, Blair, Grant, Rowe; Marquis and Williams.
