Harrogate Town v Doncaster Rovers: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Following a comfortable mid-table finish last term, Harrogate Town would have come into this season dreaming of a play-off berth. However, following a rough start, they find themselves down in 20th position and they face a tough visit of Doncaster Rovers on Thursday.

Doncaster Rovers have dusted themselves down from a shock defeat to Crewe in the play-offs last term to make an excellent start in League Two this time around, leading the way after five games.

Harrogate will be looking to pick up some points but a visit from league-leading Rovers may not yield the result they are hoping for at Wetherby Road on Thursday.

Harrogate Town v Doncaster Rovers betting tips and predictions

Doncaster Rovers to win - 3/4

Despite their penalty-shootout defeat to Crewe in last season’s League Two play-off semi-finals, Doncaster have shown no signs of heartache from that loss, winning four of their first five league games of the season to take an early lead at the summit of England’s fourth tier.

A 4-1 win over Accrington set the tone and despite a 3-1 defeat to Newport next time, Grant McCann’s men responded with 1-0 victories over Morecambe and a strong Gillingham outfit either side of an exceptional 3-2 away win at potential title rivals Port Vale. 

Rovers are the only side in League Two to win four league games this term and are the joint top scorers in the division, suggesting they should have no issues at Harrogate, who are languishing towards the bottom of the table. 

The Sulphurites are sat 20th in League Two having won only one league match this term. They were beaten 1-0 by Cheltenham last time out meaning they have now lost three matches in a row, failing to score in each of those defeats.

Their lack of firepower could be an issue against Doncaster, who have netted 15 goals in their last six League Two away matches, and they are unlikely to pick up any points at all against their in-form visitors.

Harrogate are unbeaten in four matches against Rovers, winning three times in that run, but even the confidence they can draw from that record is unlikely to be enough to see off a side who are almost guaranteed to be in the title shake-up later in the campaign.

Luke Molyneux to score any time - 9/4

Billy Sharp has made a bright start to his emotional return to Doncaster, netting three goals in five league games this term while also providing one assist, however, he has been outshone in attack by a teammate, Luke Molyneux. 

The 26-year-old enjoyed a strong season last term, netting 10 goals and providing eight assists in 47 games, but he is outperforming that rate by a significant level this time around.

Molyneux has netted four goals and notched two assists in five league games this term and a trip to Harrogate should see him continue that fine form. 

Given the Sulphurites have shipped 13 goals across seven games in all competitions this term, it seems likely Doncaster will create plenty of chances at Wetherby Road, meaning Molyneux should get ample opportunities to add to his impressive tally.

No Rovers player has taken more shots than his 14 in League Two this term, indicating the significance he holds for his side in the final third.

Given Molyneux netted twice in Donny’s last away game and that he has one goal and one assist in his two previous trips to Wetherby Road with Rovers, the in-form attacker looks a big price to find the net against the struggling Sulphurites.

Jay McGrath to have over 0.5 shots - 1/1

With Doncaster set to dominate proceedings in North Yorkshire, it could be worth backing one of their centre-backs to make the most of the continued pressure by having an impact from the numerous set-pieces Rovers will receive.

Harrogate have given up 52 corners across their seven matches this term, suggesting the league leaders could rack up plenty of dangerous opportunities.

Young centre-back Jay McGrath has started Rovers’ last two league matches and not only has he impressed at the back, but he has looked a real threat from set plays too, taking three shots across his two League Two games.

A price of evens seems generous for the English defender to have a solitary shot while those searching for a bigger payout could be tempted by the 10/3 available for McGrath to hit the target with an effort.

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Harrogate Town v Doncaster Rovers odds

Harrogate Town - 16/5
Draw - 11/4
Doncaster Rovers - 3/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.