Blackpool vs Doncaster Rovers preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Blackpool will be hoping to make it three wins on the bounce as they host Doncaster Rovers at Bloomfield Road this evening.

The Seasiders come into the match on the back of consecutive 1-0 victories over Rochdale and Portsmouth. Neil Critchley’s men are also unbeaten at home since October, winning eight out of their last nine home matches in all competitions.

In comparison, visitors Doncaster are winless in four matches but will be encouraged by Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Hull City. Darren Moore’s men lie in fourth place, just six points behind the automatic promotion places with a game in hand on second placed Peterborough United.

Blackpool meanwhile sit in 13th, seven points off the play-offs but with multiple games in hand on every team above them.

Team news

Blackpool striker Gary Madine is edging closer to a return after missing the last four matches with a groin injury but it has not been confirmed if he will be fit enough to be involved tonight. Centre-backs Marvin Ekpiteta and Dan Gretarsson both miss out with hamstring injuries, but the latter is stepping up his recovery on the training ground. Also on the mend from hamstring issues is CJ Hamilton. The winger returned to training this week but is unlikely to be involved tonight.

Doncaster will still be without long-term absentees forwards Rayhaan Tulloch and Tyreece John-Jules but aside from that have a full squad to choose from.

Predicted lineups

Blackpool (442): Maxwell, Gabriel, Ballard, Husband, Garbutt; Virtue, Dougall, Stewart, Kaikai; Yates, Simms.

Doncaster (4231): Balcombe; Halliday, Wright, Anderson, James; Smith, Gomes; Taylor, Richards, Sims; Bogle.

Ones to watch

Blackpool - Jerry Yates

The likes of Jordan Gabriel, James Husband and Kevin Stewart all had brilliant games on Saturday against Portsmouth but it was Jerry Yates’ superb solo goal the difference. The hardworking striker is now Blackpool’s top goal scorer with 11 goals in the league and is integral to Neil Critchley’s high intensity style of play with his high pressing and quick thinking on the ball. Yates scored a penalty and was involved with Blackpool’s second goal in the previous fixture with Doncaster so will be hoping to be just as effective in tonight’s match.

Doncaster - Omar Bogle

Despite only netting twice in the league this season, Doncaster striker Omar Bogle can always prove a threat. The striker links up well with those around him and his football league experience with the likes of Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic will prove vital for Darren Moore’s side. Bogle netted in Saturday’s draw against Hull City and will be looking to build on that tonight against a solid Blackpool defence.

Previous meetings

Doncaster were victorious in the reverse fixture this season. Despite Blackpool going into half-time 2-0 up with goals from Jerry Yates and CJ Hamilton, a second half comeback from the home side secured a vital win for Darren Moore’s side.

The last meeting at Bloomfield Road came in March 2019, as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw.