Doncaster Rovers vs Southampton prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 10 January 2026
Doncaster
One of the matches of the FA Cup third round will take place on Saturday at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, where the local Doncaster Rovers host Southampton. I suggest betting on the outcome of this clash, given the difference in quality between the teams.
Match preview
The hosts approach this match with minimal optimism - they sit second from bottom in League One and have won just one of their last seven fixtures. Nevertheless, a draw in the previous round against one of the leaders, Bolton, could inspire Grant McCann's men to put up a fight.
One particular source of hope for Rovers fans is the team’s fighting spirit at home: 7 out of 12 home league games have ended without defeat. In the FA Cup, they've already made it through two rounds, knocking out Crewe and Chesterfield, but the upcoming opponent is a completely different calibre.
After a promising start under Tonda Eckert, the Saints have slipped into a winless run of six matches and have dropped back down the Championship table. Their most recent defeat - a painful 0-4 loss to Middlesbrough - has made the need for a response all the more urgent.
The FA Cup could serve as a much-needed lifeline and a chance for a reset for Southampton. Despite their poor form, the Saints have a reserve of quality that should be enough to overcome a third-division opponent, especially with some squad rotation and opportunities for fresh faces in the lineup.
Probable lineups
- Doncaster Rovers: Lo-Tutala, Nixon, Pearson, McGrath, Senior, Clifton, Molineux, Bailey, Gotts, Middleton, Hanlan
- Southampton: Perez, Stephens, Wood, Quarshie, Jellert, Downes, Xander, Wellington, Azaz, Siencza, Archer
Match facts and head-to-head
- Southampton are winless in their last six matches in all competitions.
- Doncaster have won their previous two FA Cup rounds away from home, both by a 2-1 scoreline.
- The last official meeting between these teams was over 10 years ago.
Prediction
Despite their poor form, Southampton have the superior squad and should use this match as a chance to get back on track. Doncaster can put up a fight, but the difference in quality will likely be decisive.
