Both of these sides are in completely different states, but nobody quite knows how either will perform this season. Since entering the division, Doncaster have improved year on year and their brand of football has brought many admirers. However, some believe that considering their little financial clout, they may have reached their peak. Hull on the other hand are a completely different issue and even though they’ve only just come down from the Premiership, several off the field problems mean that they are by no means favourites to return to the Promised Land.
A mid-table finish in the last campaign certainly pleased Doncaster’s supporters and they had more to shout about during the summer when the club smashed their record transfer and signed Billy Sharp for £1.15m. Most of Sean O’Driscoll’s other business was done on a shoestring although that is something that the former Bournemouth boss has gotten used to over the past few years at the Keepmoat Stadium. Despite the promise shown through the summer, this campaign hasn’t exactly got off to the best start although Rovers still have a respectable four points to their name. A 2-0 victory on the opening day against Preston showed that Donny meant business, although since then results have been indifferent and a 2-1 loss to Altringham and a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Cardiff means that this season will certainly bring a few stumbling blocks. Still, considering the fact they are operating on one of the smallest budgets in the division, any mid-table position will go down very well with their fans.
Financial troubles have meant that Hull have had a disturbed summer although one thing that has gone right is their manager, after Nigel Pearson was appointed in pre-season. Despite a short managerial career, Pearson has a very good C.V already although the task at Hull City is undoubtedly a tough one. However, other than a 4-0 blip against Millwall, Hull have started the season in reasonable fashion and an accumulation of four points is by no means poor. While supporters may expect a promotion push following their recent relegation, Hull’s board would probably be quite satisfied with a mid-table finish just to steady the ship at the KC Stadium.
Doncaster will have to make a lot of late decisions about their team with Sean O’Driscoll giving three players time to prove their fitness. Billy Sharp, John Oster and Shelton Martis are all slight doubts although all three will be assessed right at the death. As for the visitors, Nigel Pearson will be without Paul McShane and Craig Fagan who are both carrying injuries. On the plus side, Kamil Zayatte has fully recovered and should be available for selection.
Both of these sides have the same number of points and both have incurred 4-0 losses already this season. While they do have a few problems off the field, Hull still possess a good squad on paper and for this reason we’re going to tip an away win. 1-0 Hull.



