So, what does AI think of our chances?

[RobTheRover]

I asked Grok to assess what it thinks of us....

Current Performance (After 2 League Matches)League Record: Doncaster Rovers have played 2 League One matches, winning both:Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Exeter City (August 2, 2025, Home): A late goal secured a narrow victory, showing defensive solidity and resilience.

Mansfield Town 1-2 Doncaster Rovers (August 9, 2025, Away): A comeback win with goals from Owen Bailey (76th minute) and another in stoppage time (90+6th minute), demonstrating attacking threat and determination.

EFL Cup: Doncaster won 4-0 against Middlesbrough (Championship side) in the EFL Cup first round on August 12, 2025, with an own goal, a goal from Robbie Gotts, and others, highlighting their ability to perform against higher-tier opposition.

Points and Standing: With 2 wins from 2 league matches, Doncaster have 6 points, a +2 goal difference (3 goals scored, 1 conceded), and are 6th in the League One table as of August 9, 2025.

Form:Goals Scored: 3 goals in 2 league matches (1.5 goals per game), with Owen Bailey (2 goals) and Luke Molyneux (1 goal) as the scorers.

Goals Conceded: 1 goal conceded (0.5 per game), with a clean sheet against Exeter, indicating a strong defensive setup.
Possession and Shots: Earlier data suggested 66% possession and 14 shots per match with a 7% conversion rate, which aligns with their controlled performances.

Recent Form: Their 100% league win rate and 4-0 cup win reflect excellent early-season momentum, continuing their strong pre-season (e.g., 7-0 vs. Gateshead, 3-1 vs. MK Dons).

Squad AnalysisThe squad remains as previously described, with no new injuries or transfers reported:Key Players:Goalkeeper: Thimothée Lo-Tutala (2 appearances, 1 clean sheet in league play) is a reliable presence.

Defenders: Matty Pearson, Connor O’Riordan, and James Maxwell (all 2 appearances) form a robust backline, with Jamie Sterry as depth.

Midfielders: Owen Bailey (2 goals, 2 appearances) is a key contributor, supported by George Broadbent and Harry Clifton (both 2 appearances). Robbie Gotts added a goal in the EFL Cup.

Forwards: Luke Molyneux (1 goal, 2 appearances) leads the attack, with Billy Sharp and Brandon Hanlan (both 2 appearances, 0 league goals) yet to score in the league but contributing in cup play.

Manager: Grant McCann’s possession-based, defensively disciplined approach (66% possession, 0.5 goals conceded per game) has been effective, with the 4-0 Middlesbrough win showcasing tactical versatility.

Strengths: Defensive organization, midfield dynamism, and McCann’s League One experience.
Weaknesses: Modest goal-scoring rate (1.5 goals per game) and reliance on midfielders (Bailey) for goals, with strikers like Sharp and Hanlan yet to find the net in league play.

League One Context and CompetitionCurrent Table (as of August 9, 2025): Doncaster are 6th with 6 points, alongside Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Stockport County, Luton Town, and Stevenage (all 6 points). Huddersfield (+5) and Barnsley (+3) lead due to better goal differences.

Top Teams: Huddersfield (5 goals scored), Barnsley (6 goals), and Luton (3 goals, no goals conceded) are early favorites for automatic promotion. Doncaster’s +2 goal difference is competitive but lags behind the leaders.

Mid-Table: Bradford City and Cardiff City (4 points) are just below, while Exeter City (3 points) and others are within striking distance.

Relegation Zone: Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, and Reading (0 points) are early strugglers, making relegation unlikely for Doncaster.

Upcoming Fixtures: Doncaster face Wycombe Wanderers (August 16, home), Huddersfield Town (August 19, away), and Port Vale (August 23, away). These matches, especially against Huddersfield, will test their playoff credentials.

Factors Influencing Final PositionHome Form: Their 1-0 win over Exeter and clean sheet at the Eco-Power Stadium (15,231 capacity) suggest a strong home base.

Away Form: The 2-1 win at Mansfield shows they can secure results on the road, critical for a top-six finish.

Goal Scoring: Their 1.5 goals per game is solid but trails top teams like Barnsley (3 goals per game). Improving striker output (Sharp, Hanlan) could elevate their position.

Defensive Stability: Conceding 0.5 goals per game is among the league’s best, providing a foundation to compete with top teams.

Cup Performance: The 4-0 win over Middlesbrough boosts confidence and suggests squad depth, but league consistency is key.
Risks: Reliance on loan players (Lo-Tutala, O’Riordan) and a modest goal tally could limit their ability to break into the top two. Tough upcoming fixtures may expose any inconsistencies.

PredictionBased on their 2-0-0 league record, 4-0 EFL Cup win, and squad quality, Doncaster Rovers are well-positioned for a playoff-contending finish in the 2025-2026 EFL League One season. Their defensive solidity and early momentum suggest they can challenge for a top-six spot, but their modest goal-scoring rate may prevent them from catching the top two (automatic promotion).Likely Finish: 5th to 7th place. Their 100% win rate, strong defense (0.5 goals conceded per game), and cup performance indicate playoff potential (top 6). However, teams like Huddersfield and Barnsley have superior attacking output, likely securing automatic promotion.

Playoff Chances: A top-six finish is highly achievable if they maintain their defensive form and get more goals from their strikers. The Wycombe match (August 16) will be a key indicator of their ability to compete with mid-table rivals.
Relegation Risk: Negligible, given their 6 points and defensive record, far ahead of teams like Blackpool (0 points).

Final AnswerDoncaster Rovers are predicted to finish the 2025-2026 EFL League One season in 5th to 7th place, with a strong chance of securing a playoff spot (top 6) if they can improve their goal-scoring output while maintaining their defensive form. Their 2-0-0 league start and 4-0 EFL Cup win over Middlesbrough reflect excellent early form, but upcoming matches against Wycombe and Huddersfield will be critical.

[PDX_Rover]

Here's what my old mucker Claude has to say:

Doncaster Rovers look to have promising prospects for the 2025-26 season! This is their first season back in League One since 2021-22, having won the League Two title last season, so there's real momentum behind the club.

They've made an excellent start to the campaign - winning their opening fixture 1-0 against Exeter City at home on August 2nd and followed that up with a 2-1 away victory at Mansfield Town. That's six points from their first two games, which is exactly the kind of start you want when returning to a higher division.

Grant McCann is at the helm and seems to have the squad well-organized. The club retained key players like Billy Sharp, Joe Ironside, and Luke Molyneux, which provides valuable experience and continuity. They've also been active in the transfer market, making several strategic signings from clubs like Barrow, Wycombe, Dundee United, and Huddersfield.

The fixture list looks reasonable too - they have some favorable early home games and won't face local rivals Barnsley until November 8th, giving them time to find their feet in the division.

Of course, League One is a competitive division with some big clubs, but Rovers' title-winning mentality from last season and their strong start suggest they should be looking at a comfortable mid-table finish or better. The key will be maintaining consistency and adapting to the step up in quality, but early signs are very encouraging.

More specifically:

I think Doncaster Rovers will finish somewhere between **12th-16th position** - a solid mid-table finish in their first season back.

Here's my reasoning:

Working in their favor:
- As newly promoted teams, they're typically targeting safety first, and their strong start (two wins from two) suggests they're well-prepared for this level
- Grant McCann has experience of success in League One, and the title-winning mentality from last season should serve them well
- They've kept their core squad together and made strategic additions

Working against them:
- The division is extremely competitive this season, with potentially 15-17 teams targeting promotion or playoffs
- The big-money favorites like Luton Town (with parachute payments), Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield, and Bolton will likely occupy most of the top-half positions
- Most expert predictions have placed them in the bottom half, typically around 14th-16th

Bottom line: A 12th-16th finish would represent an excellent first season back in League One. It would give them a solid foundation to build on for future campaigns while avoiding any relegation worries. Given the quality at the top of the division and the natural step-up in standard, this would be a very respectable showing that sets them up well for a potential push toward the playoffs in their second season back.

Their early form suggests they could even exceed this prediction, but mid-table safety should be the realistic expectation for a newly promoted side in such a competitive division.

Claude is a bit of a kitson TBF.

[PDX_Rover]

Open AI

Current Performance & Context

This season marks Doncaster Rovers’ return to League One after clinching the League Two title last season—just under their manager, Grant McCann

In their opening game at home, Doncaster secured a 1–0 victory over Exeter City, putting them off to a promising start
That win positions them among early leaders—Fox Sports shows Doncaster with 3 points after their first match

Squad Strength & Additions

The squad appears well-stocked, especially in midfield. Key returning and new players include Luke Molyneux, Jordan Gibson, Kyle Hurst (returning), Glenn Middleton, Robbie Gotts, Owen Bailey, George Broadbent, Harry Clifton, Ben Close, Zain Westbrooke, Joe Sbarra, Will Flint, and a new signing Sam Straughan-Brown
Doncaster Free Press
.

Upfront, the arrival of Brandon Hanlan adds firepower alongside club legend Billy Sharp and Joe Ironside. McCann still hopes to bring in another wide forward
Doncaster Free Press
.

However, they’ve lost a significant figure—long-serving defender Tom Anderson has departed, favoring a move to Shrewsbury, which is a notable loss to experience in defense
Talksport
.

League Outlook

According to The Guardian, newly promoted teams like Doncaster are expected to focus on consolidation, aiming primarily to secure their place in League One rather than push for promotion immediately
The Guardian
.

With bigger clubs like Luton and Cardiff coming down from the Championship, plus the likes of Stockport and Huddersfield, the competition at the top is stiff
The Guardian
.

The emphasis for Doncaster should realistically be on mid-table stability, with form and squad depth playing key roles.

What This All Means
Strong Start: A win in their opener boosts confidence and sets a positive tone.

Balanced Squad: Depth in midfield and attack is a plus, though losing a veteran like Anderson may dent defensive stability.

Consolidation Looks Likely: For this season, staying clear of relegation and building toward mid-table or better seems like the most feasible target.

Room to Improve: If McCann manages his squad smartly, especially by possibly adding that extra wide forward, they could exceed expectations.

[](https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2025/july/03/introducing-our-new-25-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Here’s a look at the Doncaster Rovers squad ahead of the 2025–26 League One season, captured in their new kit — a solid visual intro before diving into the details.

---

### Squad Breakdown & Analysis

#### **Goalkeepers**

* **Thimothee Lo-Tutala** (on loan from Hull City) has joined as the likely starting number one, bringing youthful energy and promise between the sticks. ([Wikipedia][1])
* He joins established option **Ian Lawlor**, alongside promising youngsters **Jake Oram** and **Jacob Bryant**, giving manager Grant McCann a blend of experience and development potential. ([Wikipedia][1])

#### **Defence**

* **Central Defense:**

  * **Sean Grehan**, the “Rolls Royce” recruit from Crystal Palace, adds flair and reliability.
  * **Matty Pearson** brings much-needed experience, particularly given Jay McGrath’s ongoing fitness recovery. ([Wikipedia][1])
  * **Kasper Williams** adds depth, while **Connor O’Riordan** remains a strong option in the mix. ([Wikipedia][1])
* **Full-Backs:**

  * Competition is healthy here with **Jamie Sterry**, **James Maxwell**, **Tom Nixon**, and **Jack Senior** all offering options across both flanks. ([Wikipedia][1])

#### **Midfield**

* This is arguably the squad’s deepest area, with **Robbie Gotts**, **Owen Bailey**, **George Broadbent**, **Harry Clifton**, **Ben Close**, **Zain Westbrooke**, **Joe Sbarra**, **Will Flint**, and **Sam Straughan-Brown** all contesting for center-mid roles. ([Wikipedia][1])
* **George Broadbent** is a notable name—having started with promise last season, he continues to be a key part of the midfield mix. ([Wikipedia][1])

#### **Wide Players**

* **Luke Molyneux** (a standout last season), **Jordan Gibson**, **Kyle Hurst** (returning), and **Glenn Middleton** offer pace, crossing ability, and creativity out wide. ([Wikipedia][1])
* McCann is still hoping to bring in one more wide forward to complete this attacking setup.

#### **Forwards / Attack**

* **Brandon Hanlan** arrives as the fourth striker, joining club veteran **Billy Sharp** and **Joe Ironside** — a mix of experience, finishing ability, and fresh legs up top. ([Wikipedia][1])

---

### Strengths & Depth

* **Midfield strength** is a standout, with a strong pool of options offering both quality and tactical flexibility.
* **Defensive reinforcements** have bolstered the backline, with a solid blend of experience and youth.
* **Offensive versatility**: A well-stocked attacking unit allows for varied formations and rotation — key in the grind of League One.

---

### Areas to Watch & Tactical Insight

* **Defensive cohesion**: Integrating new signings like Grehan and Pearson will be vital early on.
* **Midfield management**: With so many capable options, squad rotation must keep players sharp and morale high.
* **Finishing consistency**: The attack looks well-rounded, but the team might benefit from another wide option to stretch defenses further.

---

### Managerial Edge

Grant McCann has engineered a versatile squad, balancing promotion-winning momentum with fresh reinforcements. His recruitment reflects a methodical approach: inject experience where needed, while ensuring competition and energy across the pitch.

---

### Summary

* **Goalkeepers**: Strong, with Lo-Tutala likely leading the charge.
* **Defence**: Improved depth and leadership.
* **Midfield**: Packed with talent—Rovers can afford to rotate.
* **Wings**: Energetic and creative, with perhaps space for one more.
* **Attack**: Balanced and experienced; good competition for starting spots.

Overall, Doncaster Rovers have assembled a balanced, competitive squad capable of adapting to the challenges of League One. With depth in key areas and a clear tactical foundation, they look poised not just to survive—but to establish themselves this season.

Let me know if you'd like player-by-player stats, projected starting XI, or comparisons with other League One squads!

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Hanlan?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Brandon Hanlan"

Based on Doncaster Rovers’ current squad, recent form, and League One demands, here’s the strongest XI I’d go with right now — balancing experience, depth, and tactical flexibility.

Formation: 4-2-3-1
(Solid defensively, allows full-backs to push forward, and makes use of the depth in attacking midfield.)

GK – Thimothee Lo-Tutala

Promising shot-stopper, good distribution, agile enough to handle one-on-ones. Starts over Lawlor for his higher ceiling and loan pedigree.

RB – Jamie Sterry

Steady defensively, experienced at this level, capable of overlapping runs.

CB – Sean Grehan

Composed and good on the ball; brings calmness and passing range to the backline.

CB – Matty Pearson

Physical, aerially dominant, and an organiser — the leader this backline needs after Anderson’s departure.

LB – James Maxwell

Attack-minded but defensively solid, adds width when Molyneux cuts inside.

CM – Owen Bailey

The destroyer. Breaks up play, protects the centre-backs, wins second balls.

CM – Ben Close

Keeps possession ticking, links defence to attack, underrated passer.

RW – Luke Molyneux

Direct runner, excellent delivery, also offers a goal threat when cutting inside.

CAM – Joe Sbarra

Creative spark in tight spaces, good eye for a through ball, and works hard off the ball.

LW – Glenn Middleton

Pace, trickery, and the ability to stretch defences. Offers balance opposite Molyneux.

ST – Billy Sharp

Even at his age, his movement and finishing instincts are elite at this level; perfect focal point for a creative front three behind him.

Bench (Impact Options)
GK: Ian Lawlor

DEF: Tom Nixon, Connor O’Riordan

MID: George Broadbent, Zain Westbrooke

WING: Jordan Gibson, Kyle Hurst

ST: Brandon Hanlan, Joe Ironside

Tactical Notes

Overlap overloads: Sterry and Maxwell push high to create 2v1s with the wingers.

Sharp as a poacher: Keep him in the box rather than dropping deep.

Bailey & Close pivot: Gives balance between defence and progression.

Sbarra’s role: The creative hub, feeding both Sharp and the wingers.

[Metalmicky]

TLDR