The opening weekend of the League One season is upon us, and as part of the first round of fixtures, Doncaster Rovers will take on Exeter City on Saturday, 2 August.
The match marks the hosts' first game back in the division following their promotion from League Two last season, and a big crowd is expected.
Exeter City, meanwhile, are preparing for their fourth consecutive season in League One but are yet to mount a challenge for Championship promotion.
As part of our opening round of League One betting tips, check out our Doncaster vs Exeter prediction below.
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Doncaster vs Exeter prediction: Shakhtar to sail through
Key Stats
- Doncaster have won eight of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- Exeter have lost each of their last two away League One fixtures.
- Two goals or more have been scored in each of Exeter's last three League One fixtures.
Correct score prediction: Doncaster 3-1 Exeter
The sense of occasion at the Eco-Power Stadium will be worth something on Saturday, and the energy the hosts receive from the crowd could be worth a goal or two on its own. When you also consider that Doncaster have had a good pre-season and are bringing excellent form into the match, a home win feels like a good bet.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The visitors are the underdogs
- HOME: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.4%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Doncaster vs Exeter odds are weighted in favour of the home team, but there is still plenty of value on a home win at 10/11. Ladbrokes have given Doncaster a 52.4% chance of winning the match, while Exeter have been given just a 25.6% chance of recording an opening day victory.
Visit our latest football tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in eight years
The match between Doncaster and Exeter on Saturday will be the first meeting between the two clubs since 2017. On that occasion, Exeter came out on top 3-1, but given both squads have changed significantly since then, it isn't worth reading too much into. Doncaster's last win over Exeter was in November 2016.
England League 2 29/04/17
Doncaster
Exeter
England League 2 12/11/16
Exeter
Doncaster
Doncaster preview: A series of debuts are expected
Doncaster haven't spent any money this summer, but they have added their fair share of players via free transfers and loan deals. All of these signings have been made for the here and now, and several of them could make their competitive debuts on Saturday, including Robbie Gotts and Glenn Middleton.
Predicted lineup: Lo-Tutala (GK), Sterry, Bailey, O'Riordan, Maxwell, Broadbent, Gotts, Molyneux, Middleton, Gibson, Sharp
England League 2 03/05/25
W
Notts County
1
Doncaster
2
England League 2 26/04/25
W
Bradford
1
Doncaster
2
England League 2 21/04/25
W
Colchester
0
Doncaster
3
England League 2 18/04/25
W
Tranmere
0
Doncaster
3
England League 2 15/04/25
D
Salford City
1
Doncaster
1
Exeter preview: Supporter concerns
There are some concerns among Exeter supporters over the lack of transfer activity this summer. Like Doncaster, they haven't spent any money, and another season towards the bottom of League Two is expected. A big loss on the opening day could force the board's hand.
Predicted lineup: Whitworth (GK), Turns, Fitzwater, Francis, Sweeney, Cole, Jones, Niskanen, Wareham, Aitchison, Brierley
England League 1 03/05/25
L
Mansfield
3
Exeter
0
England League 1 26/04/25
W
Huddersfield
1
Exeter
3
England League 1 21/04/25
L
Crawley Town
3
Exeter
1
England League 1 18/04/25
D
Burton Albion
0
Exeter
0
England League 1 12/04/25
W
Bristol Rovers
1
Exeter
2
Player to watch: Billy Sharp
At the age of 39, Billy Sharp is still going, and he is gearing up for a season in League One with Doncaster. Sharp, who is regarded as one of the best EFL strikers in history, scored nine goals in League Two last season, and you wouldn't bet against him at least matching that tally in League One this time around.