Doncaster v Crewe Alex 24/25 Preview - Revenge

We could be about to see the mother of all revenge games at the Keepmoat this weekend. The Alex and Doncaster have a history of dramatic games, from Donny's come from behind win in the EFL Trophy back in 2007, to the Alex getting one over on them back in May with a 2-0 win and penalty triumph which took them to Wembley. So, does the pendulum now swing back to Donny in the revenge sweepstakes? Here is my preview of the Alex's visit to Yorkshire:

On Form

Donny aren't carrying any hangover from last season it seems. They have picked up 6 wins from their opening 10 games, including 4 from 5 at home. Their home form is particularly impressive, with 7 goals scored and only 1 conceded outside of a surprise 3-0 loss to Chesterfield. They are 4-0-1 at the Keepmoat and when you add that to their run at the end of last season, it makes for some pretty imposing stats.

Strong Team

To further emphasise that, you only have to do a deeper dive into their numbers to show they have been one of the better teams in the EFL through the opening 10 games.

Stat	League Ranking
Average Possession	53.6%(4th)
Expected Goals	14.6(4th)
Expected Goals Against	9.1(7th)
Shots on target per match	4.3(7th)
Touches in the opposition box	250(2nd)
Big Chances	23(6th)

I could go on, but the point is made. They are a good side and look set to at least compete for a top 3 spot, if not the title. Forget last week, if the Alex get a result against Donny in this game, it'll be their most impressive result this season by far.

Underdogs

If the Alex have any hope for this game, it's that they relish in being the underdogs. Nobody thought they could reach the play-offs last season. They did. Nobody thought they would make the final. They did. Then this season, the average finishing position they were given by pundits was 12th. Everytime they're written off, they come back and answer.

Donny are odds on favourites to take this game and it's easy to see why. Maybe that's what they need to get a result in this game.

Pushing

Whilst I'd imagine Bell's starting XI for this game is pretty set, some of the performances from Tuesday will have given him food for thought. Billington, Agius and Thibaut in particular pushed their cases for more game time, if not a start. Owen Lunt and Matus Holicek also might be asking to start, so Bell, even with a depleted team, has options.

Ref Watch

Ben Atkinson

Atkinson is only into his 2nd season as an EFL ref after stepping up last season. He took charge of the Alex's opening day draw with Mansfield. He hasn't taken charge of many games though, only doing 27 last season and 4 this season. This will be his first game since the middle of September.

2024/25 Record: 4 games(1 League One, 1 League Two, 1 League Cup, 1 EFL Trophy), 18 yellows

Last Game: Wycombe 5-3 Brighton U21s, EFL Trophy, 17th September 2024, 5 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 0-1-0, 2 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Doncaster

Doncaster won't be at full strength, but their scary squad depth means it shouldn't affect them too much. They'll be light at CB, with Richard Wood injured, Tom Anderson suspended and a doubt over Joseph Oluwu. Midfielder Patrick Kelly is away on international duty, but they look set to welcome back both Zain Westbrooke and James Maxwell after periods out.

Crewe Alex

We got the news last week that Kane Hemmings will be out long term with a broken foot. He won't be back until December it seems. Also out is Jamie Knight-Lebel, who is off on international duty with Canada. They'll be big misses.

Bell was typically cagey with his injury update yesterday. But from what he said, Bogle has a 50/50 chance of being involved in this game, Thomas won't be back until Salford and Long, surprise surprise, is looking at Fleetwood or Tranmere for a return date.

The other concerns are Lankester and Sanders, with "checks being made" being maddeningly unhelpful to know how injured they are. So they could both be available, they both could be out. Who knows at this point.

Team

Working on the assumption that Lankester is fine but Sanders is not, this is what I think Bell will do. He'll largely be forced to stick with the same starting XI that he named against Gillingham.

The only change he can make with what he has available is bringing in Billington as a direct replacement for Knight-Lebel, with Connolly shifting inside and Billo going to RCB.

If Bogle is fit, he'll likely only make the bench given the amount of time he's missed. The bench will have some options in Thibaut, Holicek, Lunt and Agius. I'd also hope Roberts can find a place on there, but Bell might choose to name Lucas Sant to give them at least one defensive option.

Score Prediction

Honestly, I think this game would be difficult to win even with a fully fit squad. But with them being down a number of key players, I can't look past a fairly standard home win. Donny are packed with quality, are playing well and are in good form. If the Alex can keep it close and emerge with a narrow defeat, I'd take it at this point. But as it is, Donny by a couple of goals is my prediction.

Doncaster Rovers 3-1 Crewe Alex