Grant McCann insists Doncaster Rovers won’t be at the bottom of the table for long as attention turns to a crucial match against his Peterborough United.
The 46-year-old did the double over his former club last season, with Rovers earning a 2-1 victory last November courtesy of a brace from Jordan Gibson while also earning a 3-1 victory down at the Weston Homes Stadium a week later as Billy Sharp signed off his Rovers career with a fairytale hat-trick on the last day of the season.
None of the goalscorers from the two matches are with McCann’s team after another summer of churn in terms of ins and outs - which so far has resulted in a six-game winless start to the campaign.
However, McCann has high hopes for many of his new signings as they continue to try and gel as a team. Last week, he referred to Alfie May as the best number nine in the division while he also spoke about his high expectations for players like Leon Ayinde, Jordan Thomas and Isaac Hutchinson among others.
As Rovers try to finally get that all-important first win before the international break, the Free Press predicts the starting lineup for this weekend’s game.
5. RM: Tommi O’Reilly
It’s been a couple of matches since we’ve seen Tommi O’Reilly but McCann still has high hopes for the Aston Villa loanee after his dazzling season at Crewe last year. He could come back into the team ahead of Leon Ayinde. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]
6. CM: Owen Bailey
The skipper could be set to make his 145th league start in a row for Rovers. He had a goal disallowed last week and a penalty appeal turned away - and will be hoping for a more fortuitous afternoon this time around. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]

7. CM: Robbie Gotts
Another everpresent this season, Robbie Gotts is widely seen as one of the first names on the teamsheet, although he’ll have been disappointed to have conceded the free-kick that led to AFC Wimbledon’s goal last week. | Howard Roe/AHPIX.com

8. CM: Isaac Hutchinson
The former Cheltenham Town man threatened with a free-kick seconds after coming on against AFC Wimbledon but otherwise didn’t make a huge impact. In spite of this, he’s a goal threat and for that reason could come back into the team ahead of George Broadbent to provide something extra in the final third. | drfc


