Mansfield vs Doncaster Rovers
EFL Trophy
Northern Group H
Tuesday
10th October 2023
One Call Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Trophy fixture between Mansfield and Doncaster Rovers.
Mansfield vs Doncaster Rovers: Preview
Mansfield form analysis
The Stags had a 1-1 away draw against Colchester, requiring a stoppage time equalizer from Keillor-Dunn to claim a point after going behind. They returned to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 home victory over Barrow thanks to Clarke’s second half strike. However, Mansfield needed another Keillor-Dunn goal to salvage a 1-1 away draw at Gillingham next time out after going behind early. Most recently, Mansfield ground out back-to-back goalless home draws against Wrexham and AFC Wimbledon.
Overall, Mansfield’s results have been inconsistent but performances have been steadily improving. Keillor-Dunn has impressed with 3 goals from midfield already this term. Nevertheless, they are known for their slow start and end up conceding first. Building on the clean sheets earned in the last two games and turning draws into wins is now key. But the spirit shown so far this season bodes well if they can improve their productivity in attack.
Doncaster Rovers form analysis
Doncaster registered an excellent 2-1 away win at Forest Green thanks to goals from Biggins and a last minute Close winner. They built on that momentum by edging past Gillingham 2-1 at home, again with Close netting twice including the late winner. However, defensive issues surfaced in a dramatic 2-3 loss away at Barrow, twice pegged back despite goals from Ironside and Faal. Doncaster did bounce back to beat Crawley 2-0 at home, thanks to strikes from Faal and Ironside’s penalty. But problems at the back returned last time out in a 0-1 defeat away at Stockport, undone by Olaofe’s late goal.
Overall, Donny have been solid overall but prone to lapses defensively at key moments. New striker Close has impressed with 4 goals already. If the manager can eradicate individual errors and make Doncaster more solid, they have enough attacking threat to compete at the top end of the division. But adding greater consistency and cutting out costly mistakes is crucial after this erratic spell. The wins over Forest Green and Gillingham demonstrated Doncaster’s potential.
