Doncaster Rovers v Notts County

DONCASTER ROVERS
V

NOTTS COUNTY



FA Cup third round day.  Perhaps the most romantic day in the football calender and it Donny v Notts County.  OK, perhaps not the most romantic of ties but at least its a Derby.  Rovers haven't been in the same league as the Magpies for 13 years, but we have a recent habit of drawing each other in cup competitiions.  Indeed, this is the third  season out of the last four that our paths have crossed.  What are the chances? Well its actually fewer than 1 in a million!  Anyone fancy a bet on our paths crossing in the cup next season!

Its one of those ties where at first thought, you make Rovers, as the championship club, the favourites but, of course only 12 league positions separate the clubs.  That's just one place more than separated Rovers from Barnsley before the sides met last weekend.  Nothing at all for Rovers to take for granted.

DONCASTER ROVERS

 It’s not going to be a pushover and I’ve told the players that if we go in with the wrong attitude, we’ll lose - Dean Saunders

Rovers are starting to show a bit of consistency, well, at home at least where they are unbeaten in four with wins in the last three.  Great stuff, and if they get the team performing with similar spirit away from home, then we might just avoid meeting the Magpies on a regular basis next season.

No matter what this season brings, Rovers will end it with their first victory over Barnsley at the Keepmoat.  And what a good win it was with no Rovers player failing to deliver on the day.  Some have suggested a victory for the old guard as the side contained only two players who were signed since Dean Saunders took over.

I think its more a case of Rovers fielding six players who had been well rested for one reason or another.  That's the virtue of having a large squad and its true to say the relationship with Willie McKay has brought that to the Keepmoat.  Sadly, I don't think this is the intention.  The club is trying to save money and, however cheaply we're managing to attain players, unless some are let go, money is not saved.  Its going to be an interesting transfer window.

Indeed, the moves have already started.  Richard Naylor ends his brief stay while Mustapha Dumbuya has moved to Crystal Palace for a month.  Looking at players coming in, tomorrow could see Habib Bamogo and Mamadou Babayoko making their debuts after receiving their international clearances.

Now the interesting question.  Are Rovers looking to sell Billy Sharp?  The official line is no, but there is a release clause that will be activated if a large enough offer is received.  Unofficially, I think the club has been subtely looking to sell Sharp since the end of last season.  With El-Hadji Diouf signed for another 18 months; the arrival of Bamogo and Babayoko and the impending arrival of Damien Plessis it may be interesting to see if Billy is rested tomorrow.  Saunders claims he is trying to win the game and playing Sharp, in the form that he is in, would be consistent with this intention.  But not playing him would save him from being cup-tied should he be transfered.  We will see.

NOTTS COUNTY

Its a strong division, but all the teamms that go up to the championship do well - Martin Allen

The Magpie's form hasn't been that good of late, their last victory being their second round tie against Sutton United.  Since then they've lost four until gaining a point against Huddersfield last weekend.

Magpies - my apologies.  I normally do a review of the opposition by watching a few highlights from recent games and give my honest opinion.  Unfortunately, I simply haven't had the time this week. 

In any case, I am sure you will give a good account of yourselves.  Enjoy your trip to Donny!