Mansfield Town and Doncaster Rovers are set to square off at Field Mill in a matchday two fixture in League One. Both teams had contrasting fortunes in their opening fixture, and the hosts come into the clash seeking their first win of the season.
Mansfield Town suffered a 2-1 defeat at Burton, with Bailey Cargill getting a late consolation after going two goals down. That result continues a poor run from preseason, with Nigel Clough’s team now winless in their last four matches.
The Stags will head into Saturday's clash hoping to light the spark for the season in front of their fans. However, their home form is unconvincing, with two wins and three defeats from their last five League One matches at Field Mill.
Doncaster Rovers, on the other hand, made a winning start on their return to League One, beating Exeter City 1-0. That result is a holdover from their fine showings last season, and they are now unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions.
Rovers were solid travellers in League Two last season and travel to Field Mill winless in their last nine away matches in all competitions. Manager Grant McCann will be keen to carry that form into this campaign, starting from Saturday's clash.
How the bookies view it: Slight edge for Mansfield
Mansfield Town have the slight edge among the bookies, with a home win set at odds of 11/8 by BoyleSports. A victory for Doncaster Rovers is valued at 17/10 while a draw is offered at 11/5.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Mansfield Town and Doncaster Rovers have picked up four wins each and as many draws from their 12 previous matches. The last meeting was a League Two fixture back in 2023, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Players to watch: Eyes on Molyneux
Luke Molyneux scored 16 goals last season and is already off the mark this term, netting the winner in the opening fixture. With Brandon Hanlan leading the line on Saturday, both men could combine to produce over 0.5 goals – valued at 2/7 with BoyleSports.
For Mansfield, Will Evans is likely to carry the goalscoring burden, having netted 13 league goals last season. He has a good understanding with George Maris, and both men can produce over 0.5 goals – available at odds of 2/9.
Probable line-ups:
Liam Roberts is expected to keep his place in goal for Mansfield, with Cargill and Ryan Sweeney to start in a back-three. Regan Hendry and Jamie McDonnell could get the nod in midfield, while Evans and Maris should feature in attack.
For Doncaster, Thimothee Lo-Tutala should remain in goal, while Connor O'Riordan and Matty Pearson probably keep their place in the heart of defence. Owen Bailey and George Broadbent are in midfield, with Molyneux and Brandon Hanlan tasked with getting the goals.
Mansfield Town: Roberts; Cargill, Sweeney, Knoyle; McAdam, Hendry, McDonnell, Reed, Hewitt; Maris, Evans
Doncaster Rovers: Lo-Tutala; Sterry, O’Riordan, Pearson, Maxwell; Bailey, Broadbent; Molyneux, Clifton, Middleton; Hanlan
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of Mansfield's last five matches in all competitions (BTTS YES – offered at 8/13 with BoyleSports). Three of those fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals – priced at 20/23.
Doncaster Rovers have won either half in their last six matches (Doncaster Rovers to win either half – set at odds of 10/11).
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