After a shocking home defeat against MK Dons, Phil Parkinson must get a reaction out of his team to boost their promotion hopes.
GK: Lee Burge. Out last week from a minor knee injury, the seven days of rest should be plenty of time for Burge to recover and return to the starting 11.
RWB: Luke O’Nien. O’Nien filled in at centre half last week, but was nowhere near convincing enough. He’s a better asset to the team at wingback, where he can utilise his energy and attacking enthusiasm more.
CB: Conor McLaughlin. One of two players away with Northern Ireland last weekend, McLaughlin should come in for the injured Jordan Willis at right centre half. So far this season, McLaughlin has looked capable at centre half which is fortunate considering our injury woes at the back.
CB: Bailey Wright. Wright hasn’t been at his best recently but is often the glue that holds the defence together. Against a tricky Doncaster attack, we need as many leaders on the pitch as possible and Wright is one of them.
CB: Tom Flanagan. After O’Nien’s disappointing performance at centre back, it’s a toss-up between Flanagan and Dion Sanderson. Although Sanderson has had a brief stint in the Championship, Parkinson is likely to opt for the League One experience of Tom Flanagan.
LWB: Denver Hume. With competition from McFadzean, Hume should be more motivated than ever. He’s clearly got talent, and this season at times has been a huge attacking threat. That being said, he could have had a goal or two last weekend so hopefully he’s been practising his finishing.
CM: Grant Leadbitter. The midfield has looked stale recently, and Parkinson may well look to freshen things up by making a change or two. That being said, Leadbitter’s composure and range of passing can be vital in recycling possession and keeping the defence protected.
CM: George Dobson. Controversial I know, but Max Power has really looked out of sorts recently and we need more legs in the middle.
LW: Lynden Gooch. A man who’s been played everywhere this season, from left wing to right back, Gooch is clearly more comfortable further up the pitch. On the wing, the American brings plenty of pace and trickery as well as some good end product to supply the target man up top.
RW: Chris Maguire. Admittedly, Maguire has been in very inconsistent form of late. However, the MK Dons game proved that without him in the side, we just can’t rely on anyone else to put the ball in the net, or create much. Whenever there’s a goalscoring opportunity, you hope Maguire’s nearby to finish the chance because of his undoubted quality at this level.
ST: Charlie Wyke. Wyke looked extremely unsure of himself in a two-man strike partnership. On his own however, he’s managed to hit some great form and an absolute goal machine. With the quality of Maguire and Gooch out wide, the big number nine can expect better service than last weekend.
