By Alex Gibbings
Doncaster Rovers boss Darren Ferguson has an attacking dilemma ahead of the visit of Portsmouth to the Keepmoat Stadium.
Saturday’s defeat at Charlton saw captain James Coppinger and striker Alfie May join Andy Williams on the injury list. Coppinger is set to face a late fitness test ahead off kick-off.
Talismanic forward John Marquis also picked up his fifth booking of the season, meaning Liam Mandeville is the only out and out striker available to Ferguson.
All of this means Rovers will be lining up a little bit differently than they have in recent weeks, but Ferguson is sure his players will be capable of adapting to a new system.
DF | We have good flexibility within the squad which means no matter what system we play we will have an attacking threat #DRFC
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) October 16, 2017
Ferguson is confident Rovers can still provide an attacking threat to their visitors, but following a defeat on the road, his side now have two home games in a row to get back on track.
Speaking to Rovers’ official website, Ferguson said: “This week is a real opportunity for us with two home games on the bounce, it will be nice if we can get a win and take it into Saturday.”
For Portsmouth, however, there has been a great contrast in fortunes compared to their hosts, winning their last three games in all competitions, despite them having to rotate their squad heavily in recent weeks.
Striker Ollie Hawkins scored both goals in Pompey’s 2-0 win over MK Dons, but played as a makeshift defender the week before.
Pompey have been boosted by the return of star defender Christian Burgess though, and he is relishing the prospect of facing Rovers again, after Donny did the double last season in League Two.
Talking to The News, Burgess said: “They played well and are a good side with really good players – and we have to be aware of them, we won’t take them for granted tonight.”