Perhaps this is the easiest bit? Doncaster have played 4-3-3 throughout pre-season, a formation favoured by McCann.Perhaps this is the easiest bit? Doncaster have played 4-3-3 throughout pre-season, a formation favoured by McCann.
Perhaps this is the easiest bit? Doncaster have played 4-3-3 throughout pre-season, a formation favoured by McCann.

Six full debuts? The predicted Doncaster Rovers team to take on Harrogate Town

Steve Jones
By Steve Jones
Published 4th Aug 2023, 10:00 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2023, 10:10 BST
Trying to predict Grant McCann’s starting XI for the first game of the season is far from easy.

Yet that only underlines the strength in depth and competition at Doncaster Rovers this season, which could be key to their promotion push.

What’s more, Rovers wouldn’t be weakened if they swapped one player out for another in most, if not all, areas of the pitch.

Here’s our predicted team...

Here’s our predicted team...

Olowu is already building a partnership with Wood. It could be a massive season for the former Arsenal youngster, who has bags of potential.

5. CB - Joseph Olowu

Olowu is already building a partnership with Wood. It could be a massive season for the former Arsenal youngster, who has bags of potential. Photo: Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD

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A tough call. Senior appears to be more solid defensively than James Maxwell but we've yet to see him offer as much in attack. Left-back is a strong area this season.

6. LB - Jack Senior

A tough call. Senior appears to be more solid defensively than James Maxwell but we've yet to see him offer as much in attack. Left-back is a strong area this season. Photo: Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD

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If you thought choosing a left-back was hard, try picking just three central midfielders. McCann may end up going with a more attacking combination but Bailey offers something different guarding the defence at the base of midfield and doing the ugly work. He's gone under the radar until now, but could be an unsung hero this season.

7. CM - Owen Bailey

If you thought choosing a left-back was hard, try picking just three central midfielders. McCann may end up going with a more attacking combination but Bailey offers something different guarding the defence at the base of midfield and doing the ugly work. He's gone under the radar until now, but could be an unsung hero this season. Photo: Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD

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While nobody would officially admit it, it feels a bit like Tommy Rowe and two others in central midfield. One thing is clear, however, Rowe's switch further forward has brought about some improved displays already. Expect a much more fruitful season from him this year.

8. CM - Tommy Rowe

While nobody would officially admit it, it feels a bit like Tommy Rowe and two others in central midfield. One thing is clear, however, Rowe's switch further forward has brought about some improved displays already. Expect a much more fruitful season from him this year. Photo: Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD

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