Doncaster Rovers are just over a week away from the official start of the new season, with a visit from Lincoln City on Saturday. The Championship new boys visit Club Doncaster Sports Village (3pm) as Grant McCann's side look to end their warm-up matches on a high. They visit Stockport County a week later in the first game of 2026-27 in the Carabao Cup. Rovers have won three, drawn two and lost one in pre-season so far with Wednesday's home defeat to Wolverhampton their most recent run-out.
What happened?
That game saw McCann change his entire outfield at various stages - a policy that could be repeated on Saturday. When asked by the Free Press if he plans to treat the game against the Imps as if it were a league match, and not use more than five subs, the Northern Irishman replied: "No, because we need to still get minutes into the players' legs. It's a pre-season game. It's not a league game or anything like that, so it won't be any different to what you saw versus Wolves."
Why it matters for Doncaster Rovers
Lincoln stormed to promotion from League One last season but there's a change in the dugout with former boss Michael Skubala now at Bristol City. Lincoln now have Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw in charge as co-managers. "They were the best team in League One by a country mile last year," McCann added. "No doubt they'll do quite well in the Championship. It'll be another good game for us against another Championship team and a different type of team than Wolves. It'll be a good test."
What comes next?
Rovers are set to be without Frankie Okoronkwo and Robbie Gotts once more, whilst Matty Pearson and Alfie May may also be rested as a precaution again after picking up knocks in pre-season. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 14th in League One, 60 pts, 17W-9D-20L from 46 games, recent form WDLWW. Goals this season: 50 scored, 69 conceded (-19 goal difference). Title race: 43 points behind leaders Lincoln.
