Doncaster V Huddersfield

Huddersfield Town make the short trip to Doncaster this afternoon to cap a trio of Yorkshire derbies in a row.

The Terriers travel full of confidence following a thumping 5-0 win over Barnsley, whilst Doncaster come into the game following an equally thumping 5-0 loss at Bournemouth.

Huddersfield could climb as high as 10th place and are firmly looking up the table, whereas Doncaster have one eye firmly over their shoulder as they sit just 3 points off the bottom 3, and having played a game more than Yeovil & Barnsley & 3 games ore than other relegation rivals Charlton.

The sceptic in me could see this running out as a 0-0 draw, which ironically is the scoreline from earlier this season at the John Smiths Stadium meeting between these two sides.

However I think Town, buoyed by the confidence of finding the net 5 times last weekend, and what looks to be a near sell-out following, will just prove to be too strong for Doncaster and perhaps finally avenge that 3-0 loss here in the opening game at the then new Keepmoat Stadium.

Vital Quotes: Mark Robins

“We are preparing for the game like any other and if we can reach the performance levels of last Saturday, we shouldn`t be too far away.

“Doncaster struggled last week. But we know that going to Bournemouth is a tough away day. They are a good side and five goals is difficult to take. We have conceded five goals in a derby game, though, and know what the division is like.

“Our attitude has to be that it is a winnable game. But, equally, if we don`t perform then Doncaster will punish us. They have Billy Sharp back and he has scored against us this season. We know what their capabilities are.

“They have good options up front with Sharp, Chris Brown, Jordan Bowery and obviously we know Theo Robinson very well.

“James Coppinger and David Cotterill are also clever players and can be match-winners.”

Doncaster Rovers Team News:

Billy Sharp returns from a 3 match suspension

Bongani Khumalo (ruptured kneecap) is out for the rest of the season.

Mark Duffy & Paul Quinn hoping for recalls after last weekends 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Player to watch: Theo Robinson

Ex-Town striker Theo will be up for this game and his pace could cause us problems, if his control however is still the same we may be okay 🙂

Huddersfield Town Team News:

James Vaughan (calf) remains under treatment

Joel Lynch (groin) also is sidelined.

Jon Stead returned from his loan with Oldham.

Martin Paterson & Oliver Norwood returned from International Duty unscathed.

Jon Hogg (calf) out to prove his fitness but remains doubtful, Keith Southern will deputise again if he fails to make it

Player to watch: Nahki Wells

Four assists last time out for the Bermudian Striker, perhaps he will be back on the goal trail today, just have that feeling.

Match Facts & Stats

Head-to-head

? These sides played out a goalless draw at the John Smith’s Stadium in September.

? Doncaster are unbeaten in the past seven meetings in all competitions, winning three. Huddersfield’s most recent win was 2-1 away, in League One in August 2005.

? Doncaster have won the past two meetings at home without conceding.

Doncaster

? Rovers have not won any of their past five games, losing three. Their most recent win was 3-0 against Charlton at home on 28 January.

? They are unbeaten in their past five league games at the Keepmoat Stadium, winning two.

Huddersfield

? Huddersfield have won three of their past five games, losing the other two.

? They have won one of their past seven away games in the Championship. Their only win on the road since early December was 2-1 at Birmingham, on 15 February.

Ref Watch:

Mark Haywood will be the man in charge when Doncaster Rovers welcomes Huddersfield Town to the Keepmoat this weekend.

The Yorkshire official has taken charge of 26 games so far this season showing 61 yellow cards and 5 reds.

He has already taken charge of Huddersfield this season, when we defeated Bradford City 2-1 in the Capital One League Cup in August. Nahki Wells with Bradford’s consolation goal on that day!

His last game in charge of Doncaster Rovers was last season when they drew 0-0 at Sheffield United.

Referee: MARK HAYWOOD (West Yorkshire)
Assistants: Dan Robathan and Iain Siddall
Fourth Official Mark Jones

MATCH OFFICIALS: Doncaster vs Huddersfield Town