Doncaster can take a week off from the pressure of their championship relegation battle with an FA Cup trip to Cheltenham looking to avenge their final game of the season defeat that cost them an automatic promotion spot.
Form
Cheltenham
Cheltenham lost an exciting nine goal thriller at home on Sunday when being beaten by promotion candidates Peterborough 6-3.
Recent home form (last game first) LDWDDL
Doncaster
Rovers enjoyed a great festive period with victories over Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
Recent away form (last game first) WLLDDL
Cheltenham Town Team News:
The Robins can play Ian Westlake in the tie after Leeds allowed the on loan midfield to play.
Barry Hayles was hoping to sign full time for the club after the end of his loan period is currently serving a four match ban.
The home side are likely to have to make a number of changes with loan players returning to their parent clubs.
Player to watch: Ian Westlake
He`s been getting better with every game for Cheltenham since his arrival on loan from Leeds United.
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
Matt Mills is Doncaster`s only major doubt from the side that beat Burnley; the defender is suffering with a bug.
Jason Price will still be missing after picking up a thigh injury recently.
The only other players missing are long term injured James Hayter, Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer.
Player to watch: Brian Stock
The Rovers captain and midfielder his in the form of his life and is being linked with a number of Premiership clubs.
Match Facts & Stats
History
The two clubs have met eight times since their path`s first crossed in the conference in 1998.
The most important game between the sides was on the last day of last season when Cheltenham needed a victory to avoid relegation and Rovers needed a victory for automatic promotion, the home side eventually won 2-1 with the Cheltenham keeper Shane Higgs having the game of his life keeping out the Rovers attack
Full history (football league unless stated)
1998/99 Cheltenham Town 2-1 Doncaster Rovers Conference
1998/99 Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Cheltenham Town Conference
2003/04 Cheltenham Town 1-3 Doncaster Rovers
2003/04 Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Cheltenham Town
2006/07 Cheltenham Town 0-2 Doncaster Rovers
2006/07 Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Cheltenham Town
2007/08 Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Cheltenham Town
2007/08 Cheltenham Town 2-1 Doncaster Rovers
Ref Watch:
Mr Neil Swarbrick will be the man in charge of Saturday`s FA Cup third round tie between Cheltenham Town and Doncaster Rovers at Whadden Road.
Mr Swarbrick so far this season has refereed 19 games; in those 19 games that he`s refereed he`s shown 44 yellow cards and 3 reds.
Match Prediction:
Cheltenham Town 0-2 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster have finally found their scoring touch and will be too strong for Cheltenham.
Next Fixtures:
Doncaster Rovers v Bristol City Saturday 10th January 3pm
