League One Preview - Vs Doncaster: 28th Feb

Last updated : 27 February 2006 By Smallsy
After suffering a 1-0 home defeat at the weekend, the Bees will be looking to kick on in the chance for promotion by using one of their games in hand to catch up with leaders Southend and second placed Colchester.


Allen's team face several such fixtures after their FA Cup exploits though this game is primarily being placed because of a pitch inspection failiure over the festive season. With a good chance to gain some ground and show everyone in the League what they are about the Bees will be looking to put in a solid performance.

Team News - Both teams are expected to name the same squads as their weekend games against Hartlepool and Port Vale respectively.

The Bees however are set to make several changes to their starting team after failing to register at goal at home, Martin Allen will most likely favour the strike force of Rankin and Gayle and prehaps even revert to the team which won so convincingly against Southend two weeks ago.

Recent Form
The recent form of both teams has been questionable, in the same way the Bees are suffering a current hangover from the FA Cup at least in terms of results, Doncaster have had to deal with a downturn in form off the back of their Carling Cup quarter final defeat to Arsenal.

At the beginning of the season Rovers were fancied as one of the top sides in the country, spending in excess of a million pounds on several players and backed by chairman John Ryan and excellent manager Dave Penney, the home teams plight this season has been inconsistency.

At however the Rovers form has been excellent losing just one in recent months, their brand of attacking football has seen many goals scored at the earth stadium and the Bees will have to defend well if they want to come away with anything.

The Bees away record is something to be proud of and a first loss in six at home ended the run they were beginning to put together. More often than not this season Brentford have been resilliant when not at Griffin Park and their counter attacking style is troubling for anyone they play against.

Key Man - Brentford
Isaiah Rankin - With a goal drought at Griffin Park during saturday's game it is important for the more experienced players to stand up and be counted. Rankin's influence has never been doubted but the Bees need a big performance from the former Arsenal man whether he player in midfield or attacks. With his injection of pace and quality of delivery he is a match for any defense to handle.

Key Man - Doncaster
Michael McIndoe - With his last minute goal at the weekend as a spur, Doncaster will be looking to impose themselves early in this game. After impressing in theleague cup with Rovers this year he will be looking to build on that reputation and score his 14th goal of the season. A threat whenever he is imposession is movement will have to be carefully watched by Sodje and Turner.

Keys to Victory - Brentford
A solid platform to build on
Slowing the tempo to their pace
Taking their chances

Keys to victory - Doncaster
A fast tempo
Putting themselves about
Working hard

Prediction - It looks set to be a tough game for both sides, especially as they are both looking to take advantage of the game in hand. Therfore it is only possible to predict one result...a draw. Probably 1-1.