Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
Originally scheduled for 8 February, this match was moved to the 10th, giving both teams extra time to prepare. However, the gap between these two clubs is enormous, as Doncaster Rovers play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football, while Crystal Palace are an established Premier League side. Will this be a straightforward win for them, or can Doncaster provide a challenge?
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster are the only League Two side remaining in the FA Cup, but they have ambitions of returning to League One. Currently sitting second in the table, they are in good form but lack the firepower of a typical top team, averaging just 1.4 goals per game while conceding 1.1 per match. Since mid-January, Doncaster have won four matches in a row, with three of those games featuring under 3.5 goals. Even when they last faced a Premier League side (Everton) in the EFL Cup in August, they kept the scoreline respectable (0:3).
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are also in good spirits, even though they are not challenging for the top spots in the Premier League. With 30 points, they have virtually secured safety for another season and can focus on the FA Cup. Their recent form has been solid, with three wins in their last four matches, all by 2:0 scorelines. While they did lose at home to Brentford (1:2), their defensive solidity should be enough to handle Doncaster.
Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Even if Oliver Glasner rotates his squad, Crystal Palace should have enough quality to beat Doncaster. The hosts will put up a fight, but given Crystal Palace’s average of 1.2 goals per game in the league, this is unlikely to be a high-scoring affair.
