RECAP: Doncaster Rovers 1 AFC Wimbledon 2: Dons come from behind to inflict opening day defeat on Rovers

Richie Wellens has appealed to supporters to be vocal and intimidating at the Keepmoat this season

And supporters have big plans for their return to the the ground today

We asked Rovers fans to give us their predictions for the new campaign, including ups and downs in League One and where Richie Wellens’ men will finish.

Here are some of the responses:

Let us know what you think over on Twitter at @FreePressRovers

Watch or listen to the special edition of our Rovers podcast DONcast as we look ahead to the new season.

Here are the thoughts of Free Press editor and Rovers writer Liam Hoden on how they will fare this season

And Paul Goodwin discusses why it may be a tough term for Rovers

A look at League One. Ahead of what is set to be the most competitive third tier season in years, 24 journalists attached to each of the clubs gave their thoughts and predictions

Richie Wellens’ thoughts on today’s opposition and how Dons boss Mark Robinson has summed up pre-season for his side

He’s back! Why Tommy Rowe has enjoyed his Rovers homecoming so much

An explanation of Louis Reed’s journey through pre-season with Rovers before joining Swindon Town

Let us know what starting XI you would pick for Rovers this afternoon. Head over to @FreePressRovers on Twitter to give us your thoughts and we will include the best on this page.

We know who is missing for this one - Fejiri Okenabirhie is out for three months, Jordy Hiwula will miss the next six weeks and Jon Taylor is still several weeks away from a return. John Bostock is also a major doubt as he struggles to shake off the long term impact of Covid-19.

For the first time since Wellens’ arrival, there are real questions about the system he may operate with this afternoon.

Though he has suggested the possibility of a switch away from his favoured 4-3-3 formation, he has kept his cards close to his chest over whether he will actually do so.

A move to a two-man central midfield pairing would offer greater security for the back four and look to contain a narrow attack from the visitors.

In terms of who actually plays, much of the team will pick itself with the only real question marks coming in advanced areas.

Tiago Cukur could be favoured through the middle but is still lacking match fitness.

Dan Gardner, whose signing was confirmed last night, is likely to be handed an immediate debut. And we understand the same is true for goalkeeper Pontus Dahlberg, who joined on loan from Watford.

The likes of Kyle Knoyle, Ro-Shaun Williams, Matt Smith, Aidan Barlow and Ben Close are all set for debuts, while Tommy Rowe will make his re-debut on the day.

After a summer of upheaval, change and disruption, the start of the new season has arrived.

While the optimism which built following Richie Wellens’ appointment back at the start of May has perhaps waned a little, there is little doubt this is the start of a brand new era for Rovers and one that holds plenty of promise.

It has been a tough journey to get to this point with Covid cases and self-isolation making it difficult for Wellens to fully impart his methods or get the players up to speed. And in more recent weeks, the tightness of the budget following earlier spending has made for frustrating times for the Rovers boss as he looks to add the depth the squad is crying out for.

But all of that will matter little shortly before 3pm this afternoon as the players take to the field to the sound of a roar that has been so sorely missed over the last 18 months.

The excitement over the return of supporters is rightly brimming. You have been sorely missed after a year of matches playing out in front of soulless stands and in near silence.

Rovers may not be up to full speed and the squad may not be where it needs to be, but that will not impact on the feeling inside the stadium before kick-off.

Hopefully there is plenty to keep the excitement going beyond 3pm.