The New Lawn witnesses the battle of the Rovers on Saturday as Forest Green host Doncaster. The two sides haven’t faced since 2002 so there is no recent history to provide context to how the game may play out this weekend.
Forest Green
Much like plenty of teams in League Two so far this season, Forest Green have either performed brilliantly or they have been quite poor, with no middle ground. They are currently in 19th place having won two out of their opening seven fixtures. David Horseman’s biggest problem which he has to solve relatively quickly, is his sides lack of threat in front of goal with his team scoring only five goals thus far. Furthermore, Forest Green’s home record has been abysmal, losing all four, scoring twice and conceding 11 times.
Last weekend, we saw the lack of defensive security as the Green Devils suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to Crewe. It was 1-0 at half time to the hosts, however they completely fell apart in the second half and soon as Crewe equalised, it seemed as though energy was wiped out of each player. Given the position of both sides, Horseman can’t afford for that to happen again this week.
Doncaster
The Rovers find themselves rock bottom of the League Two standings after picking up two points from seven games. Doncaster are the only side in the division to have not won a game thus far and they are experiencing difficulties at both ends of the pitch. On the road they have lost each game and concede an average of just over two goals per ninety minutes, whilst only scoring 0.7 themselves per match.
Last time out, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wrexham but the scoreline could have been much higher if the opposition didn’t miss three big chances. Despite this, Doncaster were able to control the game slightly better and they actually had more possession than Wrexham. They were also only 10 minutes away from picking up a point, conceding late on.
Verdict?
Neither team have performed well enough in recent weeks to suggest either of them are going to win, but a victory for both sides could prove to be a turning point in their season. it should be scrappy and both teams should have chances.
The final prediction is Forest Green 1-1 Doncaster.
