Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann is prepared for Chesterfield throwing a ‘curveball’ against his team in this weekend’s FA Cup clash.

Rovers thrashed the Spireites 5-1 on Tuesday night at the Eco Power Stadium in the Vertu Trophy, with both sides making several changes. Only Chey Dunkley and Liam Mandeville remained from the Blues’ league defeat to Swindon Town in the previous outing.

The two clubs meet again this Saturday night in the FA Cup second round at 7.30pm in front of the TV cameras and Town boss Paul Cook has said it will be a ‘totally different’ game. The likes of Kyle McFadzean, John Fleck and Dilan Markanday were left out in midweek but are likely to play this time. Ryan Stirk and Will Grigg could also be involved after returning to full training following injuries.

It was a much-changed line-up for Chesterfield in South Yorkshire and Cook made it clear from the start that they would be prioritising the FA Cup over the Vertu Trophy. With the prize money and a possible glamour tie awaiting them in the third round, it is an understandable approach.

Grant McCann, manager of Doncaster Rovers.

placeholder image — Grant McCann, manager of Doncaster Rovers.

"It will be completely different to what we saw on Tuesday,” McCann said. "I'm sure there'll be about seven or eight different players that will come into Paul's team. There may be a bit more experience with the likes of Kyle McFadzean and John Fleck but we've had them watched, as well as obviously having just played them. And so we're prepared for everything, even if he throws us a curveball. Ultimately we feel we're in good nick at this moment in time."

Chesterfield could have a couple of players back and so could Doncaster, with goalkeeper Ian Lawlor available after a personal issue, while striker Toyosi Olusanya is back in full training after an ankle injury.