Stoke host Doncaster Rover in the Carabao Cup tonight looking to progress to the Third round.

Stoke’s performances so far this season has given the fans raised optimism for the season & especially against tonight’s opponents. League One Doncaster on paper should be a walk over, but we all know what Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve means.

Stoke will field a much changed side from the one that made Nottingham Forest look like a league below side without getting out of second gear. Reports suggest Doncaster will field a few changes for the game, which after their start to the season is more about finding a winning formula rather than resting players.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Stoke have faced Doncaster on 15 previous occasions. There has been no separating the sides in the games.

Stoke wins 5

Draws 5

Doncaster wins 5

The last meeting

Stoke lost faced Doncaster back in 2016, that was also a cup fixture but the FA Cup. The game ended 2-1 to the Potters at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium. Peter Crouch & Jon Walters scored the goals. Stoke didn’t have it their own way in the game, far from it. Jacob Haugaard produced his best performance in a Stoke shirt as he saved 8 shots to keep Doncaster at bay

The only time we have faced Doncaster in the league cup we lost 3-1 in 1960.

League cup progression

Stoke 2-1 Fleetwood 

Walsall 0-0 Doncaster (3-4 on penalties)

Doncaster’s league form

Doncaster have started the season pretty poorly, they currently sit 23rd in league one with just one point and one goal from the first 4 games. That one point came against Top of the table Portsmouth as they held Pompey to a 0-0 draw thanks to a superb performance from Goalkeeper Pontus Dahlberg.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

O’Neill will rest most of not all those that started versus Nottingham Forest. Davies could start in place of Bursik. Nick Powell will hopefully be fit after missing Saturdays game through injury, this would allow Vrancic to rest up before a crunch game v Fulham. Josh Tymon deserves a rest having run his legs off, Doughty or Fox could play as wing back but see Fox playing in the back 3.

What is your score Prediction?