Doncaster vs Plymouth Prediction

Right then, let's talk about a proper League One relegation six-pointer. Doncaster, sitting 20th, host Plymouth, one place below them in 21st. Both on 22 points. This isn't just three points on offer, it's a chance to put some daylight between yourself and the drop zone. So, who's gonna blink first?

Doncaster at home are a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde act. They love having a go, scoring an average of 2.2 goals per game in their last five at their own gaff. They put five past Chesterfield in the EFL Trophy and beat Peterborough 2-1 in the league. But here's the rub – they've only kept one clean sheet in their last ten outings. Even when they lost 4-3 to league leaders Cardiff last time out, they were banging them in. They create chances, with over 11 shots a game, but they leave the back door wide open.

Plymouth, on the other hand, have turned into a right stubborn bunch on their travels lately. They've won their last two away games 1-0 against Wycombe and Port Vale. They're not exactly free-scoring – just five goals in their last ten matches tells you that – but they're organised. Four clean sheets in that same period shows they know how to dig in and grind out a result. Their last three games have all finished 1-0, one win and two losses.

Looking at the head-to-head, it's been a bit of a goal-fest historically, with over 2.5 goals landing in six of the last nine meetings. But that feels like ancient history compared to the current form. Plymouth's games are tight as a drum recently, while Doncaster's are usually eventful.

So, what's gonna happen? Doncaster will come out swinging, no doubt. But Plymouth will park the bus and look to hit on the break, just like they have been. I can see Doncaster having most of the ball and most of the chances, but Plymouth's defence has been solid. This has all the makings of a tense, nervy affair where one goal might decide it.

Key Points:

Doncaster average 2.2 goals per game at home but have kept just one clean sheet in ten.

Plymouth have won their last two away games 1-0 and kept four clean sheets in ten.

Plymouth's matches see Both Teams to Score only 10% of the time recently.

The last three meetings between these sides have all seen over 2.5 goals, but current form suggests a tighter game.

• Both teams are level on points in a relegation battle, adding extra pressure.

In summary, I fancy this to be a cagey one. Doncaster might edge it, but I don't see them running riot against a Plymouth side that's learned how to shut up shop. The value, for me, lies in a low-scoring game.