Doncaster v Coventry Preview

Posted on | August 17, 2009 | No Comments

Coventry are the only side in the division to have won both of their two games, as the Sky Blues sit top of the table following the opening fixtures. By their own standards, Doncaster haven’t had a bad start either and Sean O’Driscoll’s men are lingering in a mid-table position following back-to-back league draws.

Doncaster’s opening two league games have been against Watford and Preston and while these two sides aren’t the most glamorous, both play physical, effective football. This has meant that both draws have been met with a positive reaction by many supporters, who are hoping for improvement on their 14^th place finish from last season. In between those games was a 1-0 victory over Notts County in the Carling Cup, so all in all Sean O’Driscoll has every reason to be pleased with the opening weeks of the season. The Rovers manager has also bolstered his squad in the last few days by signing Wolves defender Jason Shackell on loan. The former Norwich man impressed during the draw with Preston and will add some much-needed physical presence to a Donny side who are renowned for their fluent football. What’s more, with Coventry having umpteen powerful players in their strike force, the signing of Shackell should help to combat that threat.

Coventry fans will be sat praying that this season doesn’t turn out like the last few. Throughout the last few years the Sky Blues have started each campaign on fire only to slowly deteriorate and finish in the lower reaches of the table. Already they have recorded two straight league victories and in doing so, have put themselves at the top of the table. One of the major positives for Chris Coleman has to be the form of his main striker, Clinton Morrison. Morrison was signed last season and despite his reputation, the goals simply didn’t come. However, already he’s bagged three in the opening three games and if he can stay on form, the Sky Blues have a real diamond in their attack.

It’s mixed news for Doncaster on the team news front as Rovers look set to be without both James O’Connor and Jas van Nieuwstadt through injury. However, Sean O’Driscoll could throw John Oster and Quinton Fortune in who are both new additions to his squad. Following their victory over Barnsley, Coventry are expected to make minimal changes for this one. Freddy Eastwood is doubtful through illness, but strikers Clinton Morrison and Leon Best should shake off minor knocks and start.

Doncaster have never lost at home to Coventry, although it has to be said the two have only met twelve times in history! Still, we think Coventry’s winning streak could come to an end in this one. They won’t blotch their copybook entirely, but we can see Donny playing well enough to grab a 1-1 draw here.

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1. Doncaster v Coventry Preview
2. Doncaster v Coventry Preview
3. Coventry v Reading Preview
4. Peterborough v Doncaster Preview
5. Coventry v Southampton Preview

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