The Opposition:

Doncaster Rovers have exceeded many people’s expectations this season, building on their great performances to the back end of the 2008-2009 campaign; bottom at Christmas Doncaster managed to finish 14^th, and currently they sit 11^th just 4 points off the play-offs. Sean O’Driscoll has further enhanced his reputation this season as one of the best managers outside the Premier League after achieving great success whilst managing Doncaster, playing a good style of football in the process. Looking to build on last season, their first in the Championship, Doncaster brought in 6 players, although only on free transfers and loan deals with O’Driscoll keeping a close eye on finances, in the summer with Quinton Fortune, formerly of Manchester United, being the most high-profile. Billy Sharp was also signed on loan from fellow Championship club Sheffield United and has looked an impressive signing being a valuable player up to now in ‘Rovers’ season. They did, however, lose much of the talent that had got them to the Championship; Richie Wellens and Matthew Mills were transferred to Leicester and Reading, with the club receiving sizable fees for both. Doncaster once again started the season slowly and sat just 1 point clear of the relegation zone in November after winning just two league games in their first 16 but since then things have been turned around and the club has gone from strength to strength climbing the table and putting together a late promotion push, remarkable for a team that were playing non-league football just 7 years ago.

Doncaster Rovers F.C were formed in 1879 but did not turn professional until 1885. They were elected into the Football League in 1901 when ‘Rovers’ entered at Second Division level, they went on to finish 7^th, the clubs highest ever finish to date. Doncaster slipped out of the English Football League after two relegations in close proxamity and were liquidated in 1914. The club did return to the Football League though in 1923 after being elected to replace Stalybridge Celtic in Division 3 North. In 1922 the club had moved stadiums to Belle Vue where they stayed for 84 years, the stadium only received one major renovation in that time way back in 1938 when the capacity was increased to 40,000. Doncaster were promoted back to Division 2, where they has started life, in 1946 when the club set the record for the most wins in a season, a record that still remains today, in the process of winning the Division 3 North title. The club were relegated back down to Division 3, after achieving a string of 7 mid-table finishes in Division 2, in 1958. The following season Doncaster struggled again and dropped back down into Division 4 after being relegated for the second season in succession. The club spent much of their time between 1970-2003 being a ‘yo-yo’ club between Division 3 and 4. Doncaster though fought their way back into the Football League, where they have stayed ever since, in 2003 when they were promoted after a promotion play-off win against Dagenham and Redbridge. ‘Donny’ managed to achieve another promotion the next season winning the Division 3 championship and being promoted to the newly named League 1. ‘Rovers’ moved into current stadium The Keepmoat in 2007. After 4 seasons at League 1 level ‘The Vikings’ finally got back to the tier where they started in 2008 beating Leeds United in the play-off final and completing a dramatic rise up the English football league pyramid.

The Form Book:

Peterborough United have won three of their last four home games under Jim Gannon’s guidance. Gannon’s record as Peterborough ‘gaffer’ is impressive winning 4 of his first 8 games as Posh manager and ‘The Posh’ are currently tenth in the Championship form table. Confidence is high in the Peterborough dressing room following their first back-to-back wins of the season and their first away win after beating Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday giving themselves a slim chance of retaining their Championship status. ‘The Posh’ will see this as another win-able fixture at London Road.

Doncaster Rovers have lost just twice in their last eight games and will look to strengthen their position as play-off contenders against bottom of the league Peterborough. Their away form has been patchy though, four away wins are cancelled out by eight losses on the road and six draws, their away form is in direct correlation with their home form in-fact with the club achieving eight wins six draws and four losses at home.

Last Time Out:

The clubs met on a cold Tuesday night in October 2009 and Doncaster came out 3-1 winners at the Keepmoat. Billy Sharp tucked home Doncaster’s first of the game in the 17^th minute with a good finish and Dean Sheils put ‘Donny’ further in-front in the 4 minutes later after a great counter attack and cool shot. Aaron McLean gave the visiting support something to cheer about in the 32^nd with a superb header into the top corner but a late headed goal from Jason Shackell meant that, then manager, Darren Ferguson’s men would leave empty handed.

Key Players:

Peterborough: Charlie Lee – After being moved into a defensive midfield position, or a ‘shielder’, as manager Jim Gannon likes to call it, Lee has been a stand-out performer in recent weeks. Always committed and very versatile Lee’s passion has seen him win the clubs player of the season award two years running, ahead of players that steal more of the plaudits like George Boyd. The ex Tottenham players willingness to battle has endeared himself to ‘The Posh’ faithful and after a slow start to the season Lee seems to be finding his feet at Championship level. He will have to do a good job protecting Posh’s defence as Doncaster have a lot of attacking prowess.

Doncaster: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – After being secured on loan from Arsenal in February on a one month loan deal by Sean O’Driscoll the tall striker has scored 3 goals in his first 4 games for Doncaster. He has represented England at all youth levels; U17, U19 and U21, but is yet to score for his country. The exotically named striker played a big part in Arsenal’s youth success in the 2008-2009 season; he was named captain of the U18 side which went on to win both the Premier Academy League and the Youth F.A Cup, scoring in every round of the clubs cup run. Despite being named as a sub twice for the first team Emmanuel-Thomas is yet to make his full debut for the London based club. He also enjoyed a loan spell at Blackpool last season, appearing 11 times for ‘The Seasiders’ and scoring 2 goals in the process. A well-built player with a good finish and great pace he, at times, is very difficult for defenders to mark and Posh will have to be at the top of their games to stop the striker continuing his impressive form.

Team News:

Peterborough: Ryan Bennett is still out for the Posh with Lee Frecklington and Chris Whelpdale both unlikely to be fit enough to start for Peterborough.

Doncaster: Steve Brooker and Byron Webster remain out for the visitors. Shelton Martis and Adam Lockwood should both be back to near enough full fitness.

Match Odds (William Hill):

Peterborough – 13/8 Draw – 11/5 Doncaster – 13/10