Doncaster v Walsall: Dean Keates pits wits against the best

Walsall travel to the Keepmoat Stadium where they will take on a Doncaster side currently sat sixth in the table.

Under the guidance of Grant McCann, Donny have been the division’s surprise package all season.

But earlier this month, Barnsley’s Daniel Stendel was named by the EFL as the manager of the year.

Keates though believes if McCann takes Doncaster up, he would deserve that award.

“Doncaster are the surprise package of the season,” the boss said. “The manager of the season has been announced, but in my opinion that is a few weeks too early.

“Grant has done a magnificent job ever since he took over in pre-season.

“He has not had much to play with. He’s moved things around as well as he can.

“And he has got an unfancied team within touching distance of the play-offs. If they end up in that top six and go on and win it, he is manager of the season.

“But for whatever reason, the winner is announced weeks before the end of the campaign.”

Walsall head to South Yorkshire tomorrow on the back of a six-game run where performances haven’t always matched results.

After beating Bradford and Fleetwood and drawing at Burton, the Saddlers have gone on to lose their last three against Portsmouth, Sunderland and Barnsley, despite playing well.

And while that run has left them in the relegation zone, Keates insists the camp is in good spirits.

“We have played well for six games now,” the boss continued.

“The important thing is to keep believing in ourselves, keep working hard and keep making sure standards are high.

“Performances are where we want them to be. But we know we need to make sure we start picking up points to go with them.”

Keates will again make a late call as to whether Matt Jarvis will be available for tomorrow’s game.

The winger missed almost two years of football with an ankle injury and has picked up another ankle knock.

Jarvis was close to being involved against Barnsley last week. But Keates says they must be careful with him.

“Everyone is fine, other than Jarvs who may be ready for the weekend, he may not – we’ll see,” the boss said when asked about injuries.

“It’s not his old injury. It’s just taken a little bit longer. With his previous history, he was out for almost two years with his ankle, so we have to see how it goes.

“All we can do is give him time.”

Likely line-up:

Subs: Dunn, Fitzwater, Laird, Edwards, Jarvis, Ferrier, Cook.

Doncaster (4-2-3-1): Marosi; Blair, Downing, Butler, Andrew; Crawford, Rowe; Wilks, Coppinger, Sadlier; Marquis.

The opposition: The low-down on Doncaster Rovers

We spoke to Liam Holden, deputy sports editor of the Sheffield Star, to get the low-down on Doncaster.

What’s been the key to Doncaster’s excellent season?

There are numerous factors but I would say the manner in which Grant McCann has got the team playing and the positivity he has injected into the squad.

There were concerns after his appointment that he wouldn’t have enough time to impress exactly how he wanted to play.

But they hit the ground running and His attacking style has been enjoyable to watch and effective too. Even in matches where they have not played well, they have managed to switch into gear for long enough to damage the opposition.

They have had their poor runs, but they have consistently found a way to shake themselves out of it.

Recruitment has been very good too - particularly the loan market from where Herbie Kane, Mallik Wilks and Paul Downing in particular have been excellent.

How optimistic are you they will make the play-offs?

I had a few doubts after the defeat at Luton.

It was the seventh game without victory for Rovers. And injuries to key men Ben Whiteman and Kane - two players you wouldn’t ever want out at the same time - raised plenty of concerns.

But they responded superbly on Tuesday to beat Bristol Rovers. The attacking zip and exciting energy was back. If they repeat it over the next few weeks they should have enough.

What system and style of play does Grant McCann favour?

Throughout the season he has stuck faithfully with an ultra positive 4-3-3. It involves plenty of fluidity from both the midfield and front three.

On Tuesday, to cope with the absences of Whiteman and Kane, he switched to a 4-2-3-1, which added stability in midfield but didn’t sacrifice any of the attacking intent.

The bottom line is whatever the game, it’s all about the attacking.

Who are the key men?

John Marquis is always dangerous. He has 22 goals this season and a tremendous workrate.

James Coppinger continues to dazzle at the age of 38 with his creativity. Wilks is also very dangerous.

Are there any injuries or suspensions?

Rovers suffered two major injury blows last week with Whiteman (ankle ligaments) and Kane (groin) out for a few weeks. Ian Lawlor and Joe Wright are out long-term.

Danger man:

John Marquis

He may not have scored in his last eight, but Marquis still has 22 goals from 46 games this season. A relentless worker who is also an excellent wind-up merchant to boot. He is integral to this Donny side.

Pie and a pint:

The Lakeside, which is part of the Beefeater chain, is on Stadium Way and is one of the few pubs near to the ground.

Worth a look:

Walsall twice came from behind to win 3-2 at Doncaster in 2007. Dan Fox, Mark Bradley and Tommy Mooney netted.

Key man:

Zeli Ismail is in impressive form but needs to improve his end product. If he does, Walsall have a great chance of a result.