Lincoln City will welcome Doncaster Rovers to LNER Stadium on Saturday in a League One match that will have ramifications at both ends of the table.
The sixth-placed hosts have 25 points after 15 league games and occupy the final of four promotion playoff spots, wheras the visitors are 18th with 18 points following their 2-1 loss against Barnsley on November 8.
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Lincoln City vs Doncaster Rovers prediction: Poor attack meets poor defence
Key stats
- In Lincoln City's last seven games, they have scored one or fewer goals on six occasions.
- Doncaster Rovers have conceded in 12 of their 13 most recent fixtures, with no clean sheet in their last six.
- The visitors' record of 21 goals conceded is seven more than the hosts, and is the worst return among the top 19 teams in League One.
Correct score prediction: Lincoln City 1-2 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers may not be seen as favourites heading into the weekend's clash considering their league position, but they could look to take advantage of the hosts' struggling forward line.
Any win for Doncaster is unlikely to come with a clean sheet, and Saturday's match could be decided by just one goal.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Lincoln City predicted to win by the bookmakers
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- HOME: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.8%
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- DRAW: 5/2 (3.5) – 28.6%
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- AWAY: 5/2 (3.5) – 28.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Lincoln City are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 48.8%, and the bookmakers would be surprised if the visitors won considering they have given them a 28.6% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Doncaster dominance
Doncaster have emerged as winners in eight of their past 10 encounters with Lincoln City, with the team only suffering one defeat in that time.
It should be noted that six of those victories were by one-goal margins, including when they last faced off in September 2022, when Doncaster won 2-1 away from home.
England EFL Trophy 20/09/22
Lincoln City
Doncaster
England EFL Cup 09/08/22
Doncaster
Lincoln City
England League 1 15/02/22
Lincoln City
Doncaster
England League 1 20/11/21
Doncaster
Lincoln City
England League 1 30/01/21
Lincoln City
Doncaster
Lincoln City preview: Struggles in League One
After winning six of their first 10 league games, while also drawing three times, they have since lost three, drawn one and won once in the third tier.
Forward Ben House has been ruled out due to injury, but boss Michael Skubala will have the option of calling upon the likes of James Collins and Erik Ring.
Predicted lineup: Wickens (GK), Hamer, Jackson, Bradley, Reach, Bayliss, McGrandles, Ring, Street, Thorn & Collins
Last five results:
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- Barnsley 0-2 Lincoln City
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- Rotherham United 3-0 Lincoln City
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- Salford City 1-1 Lincoln City
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- Bradford City 0-0 Lincoln City
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- Leyton Orient 1-0 Lincoln City
Doncaster Rovers preview: Poor league showings, stronger cup displays
Doncaster Rovers have failed to win any of their last eight in the third tier, succumbing to losses on six occasions, but they have won two of their past three, with both victories coming in cup competitions.
Billy Sharp will hope to lead his side's forward line once again, and he may be supported by number 10 Harry Clifton.
Predicted lineup: Lo-Tutala (GK), Grehan, O'Riordan, Pearson, Senior, Broadbent, Bailey, Molyneux, Clifton, Gibson &Sharp
Last five results:
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- Doncaster Rovers 3-1 Bradford City
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- Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Barnsley
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- Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Doncaster Rovers
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- Reading 1-1 Doncaster Rovers
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- Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Northampton Town
Player to watch: James Collins
The Lincoln City man scored when his side beat Barnsley 2-0 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, but that was his only goal in his last 10 games for the club.
Collins still ranks as the team's top scorer having found the back of the net four times this season, but he must get back to his best if his side are to overcome their difficulties in the final third.