Doncaster Rovers v Crewe Alex 23-24 Play-Off 2nd Leg Preview (2-0 agg) - A miracle

Well, the Alex are firmly in the praying to the almighty stage of things. After their comprehensive loss to Doncaster on Monday, they come into this game needing some divine intervention to prevent their season from coming to a close. So, can they do it? Can they pull off what would rank as one of the best comebacks in their history, possibly the best given the circumstances? Or is this game a formality as Rovers cruise through to the final? Let's take a look at what could be my final preview of the season:

First Goal

Safe to say, the first goal in this game is the key. If Donny get it and go 3-0 up on aggregate, then there is no way back for the Alex. None. Zero. They have scored 5 goals in their last 12 games, they aren't suddenly scoring 3 in less than 90 minutes.

If they can get the first one though, at any stage barring 2nd half stoppage time, then suddenly the mood around the Keepmoat will suddenly change. Now, getting that goal will be the big challenge. But if they can, then it'll be game on very quickly.

Nothing to lose v Everything to lose

The dynamic of this game is fascinating. Because for as good as Donny are, they go into this game with even more pressure on them. They are 2-0 up. They are flying, they are unbeaten in 13. And they are playing in front of 12,000 expectant home fans, who will be turning up in a party atmosphere fully expecting their side make it to Wembley. So what exactly do the players do? Do they push for the goal(s) that will kill the game off? Or does a part of them think about protecting their lead? Do the nerves set in I wonder?

The Alex on the other hand come into this with many likely writing them off. Sure, they'll be backed by a healthy away following, but I doubt many will go genuinely expecting to pull off the upset of upsets. So, with the pressure fully off, maybe we can see some of the performances that got them to the play-offs in the first place.

On the road

We've known it to be true for a while now, but the Alex have been way better on the road this season. They've had better results(in terms of who they beaten) and way better performances. Well, they're going to need something similar to their games at Derby, Mansfield and Stockport in this one. They are going to have to defend for their lives and not make any mistakes. The midfield are going to have to find a way to combat Donny's lively trio of Biggins, Craig and Bailey.

And upfront, they need someone, anyone, to step up and create/score a goal. They've won games on the road by 2 goals against 3 of top 7 teams already this season. They'll need to do so again.

Ref Watch

Scott Oldham

Oldham is now up to his 4th Alex game and the Alex are unbeaten in the previous 3, having won on penalties in the league cup at Sunderland, drawing with Derby in the FA Cup and beating Morecambe for their last win a few weeks ago. That was also where Oldham sent Leigh off. So Leigh's first game back will be with the same ref.

2023/24 Record: 40 games(1 Championship, 18 League One, 14 League Two, 2 League Cup, 3 EFL Trophy, 2 FA Cup), 115 yellows, 8 reds

Last Game: AFC Wimbledon 5-1 Walsall, 27th April 2024, League Two, 1 yellow

Crewe Alex Record:  5-2-4, 9 yellows, 1 red

Injuries/Absences

Doncaster

Donny will be worrying over Harrison Biggins' withdrawal after his goal on Monday. None of their long term injured players will return, but there will be some interest to see if George Miller or Jon Taylor make a surprise appearance. I doubt it though.

Crewe Alex

The Alex welcome Lewis Leigh back from suspension. The returns of Thomas and Turns to the squad, plus the avoidance of injuries to Holicek and Long were welcome. Now Bell needs to figure out how best to deploy what he has available.

Team

Go down swinging. They simply have to start every single one of their best players, fitness be damned. That means you start Kirk, Turns, Thomas and CBR. I'd also start Leigh, given how poor their midfield is at the moment. I don't care if some can't give you more than an hour, they have to play.

I'd be switching to a back 4, bringing in Turns for Williams and shifting Billington out to RB. In midfield, I'm going with a diamond, which I doubt Bell does, but anyway. Thomas sits at the base, Leigh and Tabiner go either side, with Kirk in behind the front 2 of Nev and CBR. It's not ideal, throwing a new formation out there, but it gets their best players on the pitch, with the possible exception of Long.

Score Prediction

I think the Alex will give a decent account of themselves, but will fall well short of the comeback they need. I think they'll grab a goal to make things interesting, but Donny's extra quality on the break and the Alex's need to push men forward will bite them and they'll lose on the night.

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Crewe Alexandra (4-1 Aggregate)