Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra will face off in the second leg of their League Two playoff semi-final on Friday night at the Eco-Power Stadium, with Doncaster holding a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead.
Form Overview
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers head into the clash with a remarkable 13-match unbeaten run in League Two, having secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg at the Mornflake Stadium on Monday.
Goals from Luke Molyneux and Harrison Biggins ensured a comfortable lead for Grant McCann's side, which is now just one step away from a Wembley final.
The Rovers have also excelled at home, enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run at the Eco-Power Stadium.
The addition of Lincoln City loanee Hakeeb Adelakun in January has bolstered their attack, with the winger contributing 16 goals in 20 League Two games.
Crewe
In contrast, Crewe Alexandra are in a slump, with just one win in their last 10 League Two games.
Their defensive frailties were evident in the first leg, and manager Liam Bell will need to inspire a comeback to overcome the two-goal deficit in the second leg.
Team News
Doncaster's Matthew Craig is doubtful after picking up a knock in the first leg, but McCann expects the midfielder to be fit.
Biggins was subbed off early to manage his workload, while Tommy Rowe and Kyle Hurst could be named on the bench.
Crewe's captain Mickey Demetriou remains optimistic despite the first-leg loss. Conor Thomas could earn a start after recently signing a new two-year deal, potentially replacing Josh Austerfield or Joel Tabiner in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Doncaster Rovers: Lo-Tutala; Sterry, Wood, Anderson, Maxwell; Bailey, Craig; Molyneux, Biggins, Adelakun; Ironside
Crewe Alexandra: Stryjek; Billington, Demetriou, Williams; Cooney, Thomas, Tabiner, Adebisi; Tracey, Holicek, Nevitt
Prediction
With a two-goal cushion and in superb form, Doncaster Rovers are expected to take advantage of Crewe's defensive lapses.
Crewe's recent poor form suggests their playoff dreams will likely end in South Yorkshire.
Our Prediction: Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Crewe Alexandra (Doncaster win 4-1 on aggregate)
FAQ
When and where is the Doncaster vs Crewe match taking place? The match will take place on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster.
What is the aggregate score heading into the second leg? Doncaster Rovers lead Crewe Alexandra 2-0 on aggregate after their victory in the first leg.
What was the result of the first leg? Doncaster Rovers won the first leg 2-0 at the Mornflake Stadium.
What are the current forms of Doncaster and Crewe? Doncaster Rovers: Unbeaten in 13 League Two matches, winning 8 out of their last 10. Crewe Alexandra: Only one win in their last 10 League Two matches.
Who are the key players to watch? Doncaster Rovers: Hakeeb Adelakun: On loan from Lincoln City, with 16 goals in 20 League Two games. Luke Molyneux: Scored in the first leg. Crewe Alexandra: Elliott Nevitt: 16 goals this season. Mickey Demetriou: Crewe captain determined to overturn the deficit.
Who is the favourite to win the match and progress to the final? Doncaster Rovers are favourites to win the match and advance to the final, holding a 2-0 advantage and being in excellent form.
Who will Doncaster or Crewe face in the final if they advance? The winner of this tie will face either Crawley Town or MK Dons in the League Two playoff final at Wembley.