Doncaster Rovers v Rochdale (FA Cup) Match Preview
Darren Ferguson thinks Rovers’ fourth meeting against Rochdale this season will still be tough, as Rovers face them in the third round of the FA Cup.
Although in the league Rochdale may lay in the relegation zone, Ferguson doesn’t think it will make this tie any easier.
“I think we’ve done okay at home and I think it will be another tough game – a cup match – perhaps for them it’s a little release from the league, sometimes you find that when you’re struggling, but for us we’ve got to try and keep our foot down.
He added: “The last two times we’ve been to Rochdale they’ve managed to score late goals. But, I felt we did quite well against them here.”
The bug that was reported to be going around the Rovers camp seems to have died off as of late with Tommy Rowe being the only exception for feeling under the weather, but Ferguson confirmed it’s nothing to worry about.
After missing Rovers’ festive period, James Coppinger has recovered from injury and will be available for Ferguson to select this weekend.
This encounter will come just after a week of last facing each other, when Rovers were 2-0 victors in the league.
To get to this round Rovers have so far seen off Ebbsfleet (6-2) before going on to beat Scunthorpe (3-0). Rochdale has seen off both Bromley and Slough Town by 4-0 in both games.
Since 1923 Rovers have won 54, drawn 19 and lost 37 against Rochdale.