Doncaster Rovers return to Sky Bet League One action on Saturday 10 October, hosting Burton Albion at Club Doncaster Sports Village with a 3pm kick-off.

The Rovers come into the fixture on the back of consecutive victories, most recently a 1-0 win over Peterborough with a clean sheet. Manager Grant McCann has praised the defensive performances in recent games and is aiming to add more goals at the attacking end of the pitch.

Academy progress and recent debuts

Dylan Hartley made a record-breaking debut in the midweek fixture, coming on as a substitute after impressing in training. McCann said Hartley "fully deserved the opportunity" and that it was "an unbelievable achievement" for the young player and those close to him.

Ashton Swales also made his debut in midweek, having featured on the bench in previous games. McCann noted that Swales is from the Doncaster area and that it was good to finally get him on the pitch after his patient wait.

Goalkeeper performance and competition

Josh Clarke impressed between the sticks in the midweek game, with McCann highlighting a double save in the second half as particularly noteworthy. Clarke's distribution, catching, area management and kicking were all praised by McCann, who noted that both Clarke and Tommy continue to compete for the number one spot.

International recognition

Captain Seán Grehan recently led Republic of Ireland U21 to victory over England U21 during the international break, helping his side secure qualification for the play-offs next month. Grehan scored against Slovakia in the same campaign and played in all three games.

McCann confirmed that club director Cliff received positive feedback from Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford about both Grehan and Leon Ayinde, who have now returned to Doncaster "buzzing" after their international commitments.

Opposition preview

Burton Albion currently sit in eighth place after nine games and have made a strong start to the season. The Brewers secured League One safety last year and finished 17th, but are now targeting a higher finish.

Burton won their last six games before this season began and have picked up impressive away victories at Leicester City and Plymouth Argyle. However, they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Huddersfield Town in their most recent outing.

McCann described Burton manager Gary Bowyer's work over the past two years as "outstanding" and noted that the Brewers' start to the campaign does not come as a surprise.

Rovers last faced Burton in February 2026 at the Pirelli Stadium, securing a 2-1 away win with two early goals.

Team news and squad depth

McCann confirmed that Rovers will be without some players through injury but declined to identify specific absentees ahead of the fixture. He reiterated that squad depth is in place to cope with unavailability and expressed confidence in the team's preparation.

Match details

The referee for Saturday's fixture is Harrison Blair, with assistants Wayne Grunnill and Sam Wesson and fourth official Leigh Doughty.

Rovers will wear red and white hooped shirts, red shorts and red socks, with the goalkeeper in all-blue.

Supporters unable to attend at Club Doncaster Sports Village can access live commentary via Rovers+ with Robbie Andrews. For any issues with Rovers+ passes, supporters should email media@clubdoncaster.co.uk.