Preview: Accrington Stanley vs Doncaster Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Accrington Stanley will look to extend their EFL Cup journey when they host Doncaster Rovers at the Wham Stadium on Tuesday evening in round two.

John Doolan’s side have struggled to find form in League Two so far, but they will be hoping the cup can provide some relief, while Doncaster arrive in strong spirits after a promising start to life back in League One.

Match preview

Accrington head into this tie off the back of a 1-1 draw with Grimsby Town in League Two, extending a mixed start to their campaign.

While their league form has been underwhelming, they have enjoyed brighter moments in this competition, defeating Oldham Athletic 3-1 in the preliminary round before edging Peterborough United 2-1 in the first round.

Stanley have rarely made a deep run in the EFL Cup, progressing beyond the second round only once since their first appearance in 2006-07, when they reached round three in 2016-17 before losing 1-0 to West Ham United - their record suggests this stage is often their stumbling block.

Defensive frailties remain an issue, with no clean sheets in their last six outings for the Reds.

With only three league goals scored in four outings, Doolan will hope his side can reproduce their cup-scoring form, where they have netted five times across their two victories.

Doncaster, meanwhile, arrive in much better shape, with Grant McCann’s side earning a 1-0 win over Port Vale at the weekend courtesy of captain Owen Bailey and currently sitting eighth in League One with 10 points from their opening five fixtures (three wins, one draw, one defeat).

The Rovers were crowned League Two champions last season and have carried that momentum into the new campaign.

Their EFL Cup opener saw them cruise to a 4-0 victory over Championship side Middlesbrough, with Ben Close, Tom Nixon, Robbie Gotts and Oyindamola Ajayi all on the scoresheet.

Cup history has not been overly kind to Doncaster in recent years, though, as they were knocked out in the second round by Everton in each of the last two EFL Cup campaigns.

Their best run in the competition dates back to a quarter-final appearance in 2005-06, when they lost to Arsenal on penalties, while they also reached the last eight in 1975-76.

Encouragingly for McCann’s men, they have not lost any of their last seven meetings with Accrington (five wins, two draws), giving them confidence heading into this clash.

Accrington Stanley EFL Cup form:

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Accrington Stanley form (all competitions):

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Doncaster Rovers EFL Cup form:

Doncaster Rovers form (all competitions):

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Team News

Accrington have no fresh injury concerns with striker Kelsey Mooney, who was rested in the draw against Grimsby and limited to a late cameo, expected to lead the line from the start.

Tyler Walton and Isaac Sinclair both impressed last time out and may keep their places, while Oliver Wright should continue in goal behind a back three of Devon Matthews, Farrend Rawson and Benn Ward.

Josh Woods could feature in a supporting role, with Seamus Conneely and Alex Henderson providing midfield stability.

For Doncaster, defender Jamie Sterry remains sidelined after picking up an injury on the opening day against Exeter City.

Billy Sharp should continue to lead the attack, with Luke Molyneux offering pace and creativity from the wing.

Bailey and George Broadbent are expected to partner in midfield, while McCann is unlikely to make many changes to the side that beat Port Vale.

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Wright; Matthews, Rawson, Ward; Brown, Bauress, Conneely, Sass; Walton, Sinclair; Mooney

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:

Lo-Tutala; Senior, McGrath, O’Riordan, Nixon; Broadbent, Bailey; Middleton, Clifton, Molyneux; Sharp

We say: Accrington Stanley 0-2 Doncaster Rovers

Accrington have shown spirit in the cup so far, but their inconsistency in the league and defensive issues could leave them exposed against a confident Doncaster side.

Given their form, momentum and superior record in this fixture, we back Doncaster to secure a comfortable win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.