Doncaster Rovers vs Fleetwood Town Predictions

It’s certainly not been the perfect start for Doncaster under new manager Darren Moore. Both Moore and Donny fans will be hoping that the second home game of the season brings about a first win of the campaign. In contrast, Fleetwood are looking to make it three wins from three League One matches.

Frustrating is probably the best way to describe Doncaster’s start to the new campaign. They’ve been by no means terrible, but they’re yet to really get going. Last season’s play-off semi-finalists have twice had to come from behind to rescue a point. First time out, Donny failed to really impose themselves against Gillingham, despite playing on their own patch, while much of the same can be said about their match against Rochdale last weekend.

Last time out, Moore’s men didn’t give much away, as they restricted Rochdale to just 0.39 expected goals for, conceding just two shots on target, though they delivered another subdued effort going the other way, posting just 0.52 expected goals for. If they continue to produce such defensive numbers, then Donny will be tough to beat, but final-third improvements are required if they’re to match last season’s achievements.

Unlike Doncaster, Fleetwood have begun the season in good style, winning each of their first two matches. First time out, they delivered a disciplined, clinical performance to get the better of Peterborough away from home, while Joey Barton’s men were more dominant last time out, as they shifted through the gears.

As they went a goal down and required two second half strikes to turn it around, it would be easy to assume that Fleetwood’s win last weekend was a bit of a struggle, though that wasn’t really the case. They did fall behind, but they dominated the ball throughout, rarely looked out of control, while they also created considerably more than their opponents, posting 1.77 expected goals for and conceding just 0.59.

In the betting ahead of this match ‘Both Teams to Score – NO’ makes plenty of appeal. Both teams have scored in each of Doncaster and Fleetwood’s League One games this term, though the underlying figures suggest that there could soon be a comedown in terms of goals.

Given that Doncaster are averaging just 0.72 expected goals for and just 0.71 against, coupled with the fact that Fleetwood are averaging a modest 1.22 for and 0.66 against, it’s relatively simple to conclude that the early price on offer is too big. Therefore, punters looking for a slice of value are advised to support at least one of this pair to falter in front of goal on Saturday.

If you’re on the hunt for a ‘Correct Score’ punt, then backing the hosts to edge it by a goal to nil appeals at the current odds. If Doncaster can build on the defensively sound performance that they delivered a week ago, back on their own patch, then they look a decent bet to edge out a pragmatic Fleetwood side that won’t look to be too adventurous on the road.