Match preview: Doncaster ready to defend home turf while Stockport hunt consistency
Doncaster Rovers return to The Keepmoat Stadium off the back of a morale-boosting FA Cup win over Chesterfield on 6 December, the 2-1 victory underlined by a strong team effort and Jamie Sterry’s 7.65 rating as the match standout. Currently 18th in League One with 22 points from 18 games, Doncaster have shown flashes of potency at home — 12 goals scored on home soil — but their defensive ledger (24 conceded overall) points to vulnerability. Martin Woods will take charge on 9 December as the Keepmoat prepares for a lively crowd of up to 15,231.
Stockport County arrive in Doncaster as the higher-placed side (5th, 29 points from 17 matches) and carry a mixed cup weekend, bowing out to Cambridge United on penalties after a 0-0 draw. The visitors have been productive away from home (13 goals scored on the road) and sit with slightly healthier overall attacking numbers than Doncaster, but their away goal concession (12) shows this trip won't be straightforward.
Statistical battle: shots, chances and goal markets to watch
The underlying numbers paint a contest likely to produce action. Doncaster averages 12.22 shots per game with 58 on target across the campaign, while Stockport are not far behind at 11.94 shots per match and 75 efforts on target. Doncaster’s home matches have seen Both Teams To Score in 70% of games — a striking figure — and Stockport’s away form produces BTTS in 50% of matches. Over/Under 2.5 sits near coin-flip territory given both sides hover around a 50%+ rate for over 2.5 goals across fixtures, but the raw BTTS trend leans toward goals at both ends.
Form, head-to-head and momentum
Form over the last handful of fixtures shows both teams capable of winning and slipping up; Doncaster’s run contains impressive back-to-back results domestically, while Stockport’s recent schedule has been packed with cup deciders and tight league encounters. The memory of the last meeting — a 1-5 scoreline dated January 2024 in League Two — will not be forgotten by Doncaster fans and underlines Stockport’s ability to exploit defensive frailties when they click. Both teams will feel the extra intensity after midweek cup outings, but Doncaster’s confidence from the cup win gives them a touch more bite at home.
Prediction & Betting tips
Bookmakers make Doncaster slight favourites at 2.52 with Stockport available at 2.70 and a draw at 3.30 — markets that reflect the fine margins between home grit and away quality. Given Doncaster’s high BTTS rate at home (70%) and Stockport’s reliable scoring away (13 goals), the clearest edge sits in the goal markets rather than a straight 1X2 pick. Expect both teams to find the net and for the game to produce chances on both ends.
Recommended betting suggestion: Both Teams to Score — Yes. This selection aligns with Doncaster’s home BTTS frequency and Stockport’s away attacking output; it also takes into account the cup intensity that leaves defensive lapses more likely. For those wanting to refine timing and stake sizing around goal markets, check out The right time to place bets on goal markets and consider pairing your analysis with some practical resources such as Learn about some of the tools that can help with analysis to sharpen your approach.