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NederlandDoncaster Rovers will be hoping to pull off another miraculous result against a promotion contender when they face Ipswich Town at the Eco-Power Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The hosts kept their survival hopes alive with a remarkable win on Saturday, whilst the visitors continued their push for the playoffs with a victory of their own.
Match preview
© Reuters
Very few people could have predicted that bottom-of-the-table Doncaster would manage to pick up a result of any kind at promotion-chasing Sunderland at the weekend, never mind all three points.
However, that is exactly what Gary McSheffrey's side managed, after first-half goals from Reo Griffiths and Tommy Rowe saw them record an excellent victory against the odds, despite a late goal from Corry Evans setting up a nervy finish in the 2-1 win.
After seven defeats and a single win in the previous eight games, Donny's hopes of remaining in the third tier come May looked to be fading away rapidly, but the fantastic result at the Stadium of Light on Saturday could well be the catalyst required to kickstart their survival bid.
Tuesday's hosts remain eight points from safety at the foot of the League One table, and face another promotion contender in the form of Ipswich in the week, but their performance at the weekend displayed to the division what they could be capable of in the coming months.
Although, should Doncaster look to pick up back-to-back successes by recording another win on Tuesday, their dreadful home form will need to be put to the back of their minds, after winning one and losing seven of their last 10 in front of their own supporters.
Meanwhile, Ipswich's late push for the playoff spots in League One had another boost on Saturday, thanks to a narrow 1-0 win over struggling Gillingham at Portman Road.
It was not the greatest performance by Kieran McKenna's side, but Conor Chaplin's goal in the 74th minute was enough to seal the three points.
After seeing their relegation-threatened visitors strike the woodwork twice, and arguably deserve at least a share of the points, the former Manchester United coach will be looking for his players to put in an improved display against another struggling outfit on Tuesday.
However, the Tractor Boys narrowed the gap to the top six to eight points in the process, thanks to Wycombe Wanderers not being in action at the weekend.
The revival in form under McKenna was also extended with the result, with Ipswich having lost just twice in his eight games in charge since taking over at the end of December.
Another positive that the visitors will be hoping to take into the clash will be the success they enjoyed over their hosts when they last met back in September, when Ipswich hammered Doncaster by a 6-0 scoreline under previous manager Paul Cook.
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Team News
Despite their success at the weekend, Doncaster remained without a host of first-team players again, and will do once more on Tuesday.
Tom Anderson, Ben Close, John Bostock and Jordy Hiwula will all continue with spells on the sidelines, and are joined by Cameron John, Jon Taylor and Fejiri Okenabirhie.
Ethan Galbraith will also be assessed due to his calf problem, but there are no fresh injury concerns from the win at Sunderland.
As for the visitors, Sam Morsy will serve the final game of his four-match suspension for the trip to Doncaster.
Matt Penney is likely to make a return to the squad, but Wes Burns is a huge doubt after being forced off with a knock in the win against Gillingham on Saturday.
Kane Vincent-Young could also return to the 18, although he missed out on the squad at the weekend despite returning from suspension.
Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:
Mitchell; Williams, Younger, Olowu, Seaman; Smith, Rowe; Jackson, Martin, Odubeko; Griffiths
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Walton; Donacien, Woolfenden, Edmundson; Edwards, Evans, Carroll, Thompson; Chaplin; Bonne, Norwood
We say: Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Ipswich Town
Doncaster will be in high spirits for this game following their unexpected victory at the weekend, but the visitors should be too strong for them here.
Ipswich will require an improved performance after struggling at the weekend, but if they play anywhere near their best on Tuesday, they should possess too much quality for their injury-hit hosts.
