Fans in stadium will make a difference

The presence of 1,000 Charlton fans in The Valley this afternoon will make a difference to the intensity of the game, says Doncaster Rovers boss Darren Moore: https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/moore-believes-fans-will-make-a-difference/

Moore said it will be a tough game for the visitors who have to improve their passing game and show greater fluidity.

Sky News had an item last night on the preparations for the game with extensive shots of The Valley and the reporter leaving through the turnstile.  Lee Bowyer was interviewed, apparently from his gaff.

Doncaster Rivers finished 9th in League One last season and Four Four Two forecast a 8th place this season.  They comment, 'Doncaster appeared capable of breaking into the promotion reckoning at times last season, only to be undone by inconsistency.'

Rovers were once known as the Butterscotch Men, but changed their name to The Vikings. The contributor of the fan file states: 'This season will be different to last because we won't have Kieran Sadler to bring one in from 20 yards in the absence of a real goalscorer up front.  It could be a long season.' He forecasts a top half finish without troubling the play offs.

The CAS Trust preview notes the contrast with the play off semi-final sixteen months ago: https://www.castrust.org/2020/09/doncaster-a-slightly-less-momentous-occasion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=doncaster-a-slightly-less-momentous-occasion

90 minutes away from Wembley

Charlton could be 90 minutes away from a play off final at the new Wembley says experienced SLP sports writer Richard Cawley: The prize

However, Cawley is appropriately cautious. The outcome is not a foregone conclusion, although a draw would be enough. It wasn't one-way traffic on Sunday and Donny have nothing to lose as the underdogs.

Hopefully, it won't go to penalties. But I will be staying overnight in Greenwich just in case.

Over at Sheffield Wednesday, concerns have been expressed about the fact that accounts for the Owls are overdue at Companies House: Red flag over accounts

Katrien Meire was until recently chief executive at Sheffield Wednesday, but her remit focused on the fan experience rather than the accounts.

Donny admit they face a tough test

Doncaster Rovers admit they face a tough test against the Addicks, but they are optimistic that they will end up at Wembley. Of course, they are hardly likely to say they are pessimistic and will be lucky to hold Charlton at the Keepmoat. They are taking inspiration from their FA Cup win at The Valley, but we are hardly likely to approach the play off semi-final in the same way: Record against Charlton gives ground for optimism

I am certainly not taking anything for granted. The defeat on penalties against the Rocking Robins at The Valley is seared in my mind. It only takes one bad refereeing decision to change the direction of a game.

The CAS Trust preview is here: Are the play offs really a lottery?

Doncaster want three points on Saturday

Leeds: The Yorkshire Post this morning carries an interview with Doncaster Rovers defender Joe Wright who scored the consolation goal against Coventry City last Saturday. He reckons they can build on their second half performance against Sky Blues at Charlton on Saturday.

He commented, 'we really have to take the game to Charlton.' In the second half at the Ricoh, 'We pressed more as a team and the tempo was a lot faster.'

Rovers have had a forgettable October. They picked up just four points from a possible 24 during the month. That was in sharp contrast to an impressive September which saw them remain unbeaten, dropping just two points along the way.

Steep learning curve for Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have found the transition from League Two to League One to be a steep learning curve. Defences are harder to crack and chances come less readily. They have scored in only half of their league games, although last weekend's 4-1 win over Southend has boosted morale: Quick learners

Rovers are currently 17th in the table while Charlton are 6th. The gap in the form table is narrower: 14th and 18th.

The CAS Trust preview points out that Doncaster have played six of the eight teams in the table, whereas Charlton have played six of the bottom eight: Stronger than they seem?

Odds: Charlton 7/5, Draw 23/10, Doncaster 19/10.