Preview: Doncaster Rovers vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups

Aiming to arrest a slump in form which has seen them lose each of their last four games, Doncaster Rovers welcome Oxford United to the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday.

On the other hand, the hosts are looking to return to winnings ways off the back of consecutive stalemates in each of their last two outings.

Match preview

Doncaster Rovers were knocked out of a second consecutive tournament in the space of three days following a 3-2 defeat to League Two outfit Mansfield on Saturday.

Gary McSheffrey's men took the lead in the first half through Branden Horton before goals from William Forrester and a George Lapslie brace turned the game on its head, rendering Tommy Rowe's late strike inconsequential.

The Reds are bottom but one in the League One table, albeit with a game in hand on a couple of teams in and around them.

Their next task sees them go up against opponents who have won on only one of their previous five visits, losing each of the last two including a 3-2 thriller in February.

Having scored the fewest goals in the entire division, Tuesday's hosts will need to get going in that department if they are to turn their fortunes around.

Oxford United had to settle for a point for the second game running following a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland on Saturday.

Karl Robinson's men went behind to Leon Dajaku's early strike before hitting back through Matt Taylor to leave honours even at the Stadium of Light.

The Yellows are seventh on the log as things stand, just outside the playoff places on goal difference.

With just nine of their 33 points this term coming away from home, Tuesday's visitors will need to improve their performances on the road to secure a spot in the postseason.

Team News

Matt Taylor has scored five times in his last six appearances for Oxford, and the 31-year-old is one to keep an eye on.

Taylor also grabbed a brace in the last meeting between Tuesday's opponents, and he will be looking to come up trumps once again.

Despite failing to score in each of his last 12 games for Doncaster, Gary McSheffrey is expected to stick with Jordi Hiwula in attack.

Liam Ravenhill was subbed off less than an hour into his side's last outing following an unimpressive display, but the Englishman should be named in the starting XI for this one.

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:
Jones; Rowe, Horton, Anderson, Knoyle; Smith, Hasani, Ravenhill; Barlow, Hiwula, Doodoo

Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Eastwood; Long, Moore, McNally, Forde; Brannagan, Kane, Henry; Holland, Taylor, Whyte

We say: Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Oxford United

The hosts have struggled both offensively and defensively of late, and it is hard to see them getting anything out of the game. We are tipping Oxford United to come out on top, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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