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by The Rovers Review

Suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, Rovers look to escape that mini dip in form to potentially clench the title in front of the home faithful - as play-off hopefuls, Exeter City visit the Keepmoat Stadium.

After being ruled out for the remainder of the season, striker Andy Williams is set to come back into contention after Gavin Strachan confirmed his availability before stating that Williams has been "sharp" in training all week. He could, however, face competition for a place back in the starting 11, with forwards Alfie May and John Marquis being involved in plenty of goals as of late.

During midweek it was reported that Niall Mason and Craig Alcock had been given the day off training for one day - due to possible injuries - however Strachan has confirmed that as it stands, they are fit for this weekend.

Last time out against Wycombe Wanderer, after Alfie May bagged a breath-taking goal, but was then withdrawn due to an injury within 38 minuets. It was later revealed he was suffering with a dead leg and Strachan has confirmed he'll be available again this weekend against Exeter.

Following Mathieu Baudry's season-ending surgery, Joe Wright is expected to re-kindle his partnership with Andy Butler (much like the beginning of the season). Wright has this week said it's a "big opportunity" for him to make his mark on the team and that he has "respect" for Darren Ferguson's team selection, which has seen the defender only make 18 appearances so far this season.

Head-to-heads
Out of Exeter's last five games they've won 3 and lost 2, whereas Rovers have lost 3, drawn 1 and won 1.

With 48 points collected at the Keepmoat so far this season from 22 games, they have the best home record in the league, however it may be under threat this weekend as they host an Exeter City who have the second-best away record in the league (behind Plymouth), collecting 39 points from 22 games on the road.

Players to watch
Award winning youngster Ollie Watkins is their player to watch, with him picking up 13 league goals so far this season as well as picking up 6 assists, all while being just 21-years-old.

However, he isn't their top goal scorer or assists man with midfielders; David Wheeler has netted 16 league goals and Jack Stacey has 7 assists so far this term.

Previous encounters
In the reverse fixture Rovers came from a goal behind to win 3-1 at St James Park, with Liam Mandeville making an instant impact from the bench to equalise for Rovers, followed by a Marquis double to earn Rovers the 3 points. The last time Exeter came to Doncaster was back in the Belle Vue days during the season 1997/98, where Exeter won 1-0 in front of a crowd of 1,186.

Overall, Rovers have won 23, drawn 5 and lost 18 against Exeter since 1959. Safe to say it'd be surprising if it's a draw this weekend!

Predicted lineup v Exeter City
Lawlor; Alcock, Wright, Butler, Mason; Grant, Blair, Rowe, Coppinger; May and Marquis.
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