Doncaster Rovers v Blackburn Rovers: Ferguson in no mood to be party host for visitors

Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Ferguson.
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe — Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Ferguson. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The one-time Premier League champions can clinch an instant return to the second tier with victory at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Even a defeat may be enough with Shrewsbury Town, who trail Blackburn by seven points with three games remaining, also in action at home to Peterborough United.

Tony Mowbray’s men have lost just once in 32 league outings, meaning Doncaster’s 3-1 victory at Ewood Park in August is but a distant memory for a club who were relegated from the Championship last May.

“I am really looking forward to this game,” said Ferguson, who will again be without winger Tommy Rowe. “I have told the players they should feel the same. It will be a good atmosphere with two good footballing teams.

“Blackburn are a more confident side to the one we faced back in August. They have made a few changes, but I fully expected them to be up there where they are.

“They know a win gets them up and that is what they will be going for, but I have said to my players that we don’t want anybody celebrating on our patch, and we are all looking forward to it.

“Tony Mowbray is a brilliant manager and they have been on an incredible run. They have got an outstanding forward line and they have set their standards high in the division.”

Blackburn Rovers' boss, Tony Mowbray. Picture: James Williamson

Doncaster can have a major say in the destiny of the League One title thanks to hosting both Blackburn and Wigan Athletic during the run-in, Paul Cook’s men scheduled to visit the Keepmoat on the final day.

More importantly from a Rovers perspective is the need to finish strongly after rounding off last season’s promotion with four straight defeats.

“We don’t want to finish like last year,” said Ferguson. “That was a big disappointment to everyone in the camp.

“If we win two games out of the last four we end up with 60 points and that is a solid season.”

Last six games: Doncaster Rovers WWDWDL Blackburn Rovers WWWDDW.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 2 Blackburn Rovers 0; August 16, 2013; Championship.