A break from league duty sees the Eagles travel to South Yorkshire to take on League Two side Doncaster Rovers.
Ahead of the Monday night fixture, live on iPlayer, we had a chat with Rovers fan Aaron Challoner to find out about their season so far, thoughts ahead of the cup tie, and much more.
TEB – It’s not the first time Doncaster have hosted Palace in this competition in recent times, with the last meeting in 2019 where the Eagles won. How are you feeling ahead of the tie this time around?
AC – I do feel like this particular game against Palace comes with added pressure for many reasons. Orient’s close defeat to City and with Wellens’ side not afraid to go at Pep’s squad, is evidence why we should be going for it in this game and show Glasner’s side no mercy and 100% effort throughout no matter what. Effort is mandatory in football and a lack of effort means to me that a player shouldn’t be wearing the club’s badge.
TEB – At a glance, it appears to be going very well for Doncaster this season. Sitting in second place currently with four points from the play offs in your favour. Thoughts on the season so far?
AC – For me, there has been games where we could have done better. But overall, at the end of the day, we’ve picked up a few points where we shouldn’t which is what possible champions and promoted sides do. We have played well in spells overall this season, and I feel there’s another gear for this team as well to reach, which could be during the business end of the season this year.
TEB – Thoughts on the boss Grant McCann?
AC – I think Grant McCann is a wonderful manager. He has this no nonsense attitude when it comes to analysing his team’s performances post-match. Personally, I’ve got along well with him before and after matches and I feel he truly loves the club from front to back. He’s got our best interests at heart, he’s a proven winner as a manager, and I feel we will be promoted under his guidance.
TEB – How did the winter transfer window shape up for Doncaster? Were the weaker areas of the side strengthened?
AC – There were three young players signed over January, with Manchester United winger Ethan Ennis, Lincoln City striker Rob Street, and Leeds United midfielder Charlie Crew all loaned in.
Charlie for me is the pick of the bunch, as his energy, aggressive physicality, and his work rate stand out especially week in and week out. Crew is truly one for the future and has the most potential to one day play in the Premier League. I do feel we still lacked a truly experienced signing, either on the wing or at the back to cover any possible injuries for star players like McGrath and Molyneux, and with McGrath out for weeks and Molyneux a doubt for Monday, the worst reality has happened.
Someone like St Pats defender Joe Redmond and Forest Green winger Kyle McAllister would have been amazing signings and I feel we could have gone for it on a signature signing in this window.
TEB – Rob Street currently turns out for Doncaster and it’ll be his first meeting against Palace since he left us back in 2023. How is he fairing in league two?
AC – I feel Rob has the pace, energy and work rate in the final third to be a clinical player, and his height makes him a possible threat in the air of course. Mainly for him is consistent clinical finishing from a range of different types of opportunities in dangerous positions throughout future matches. Consistency will make him a more valuable goal scorer.
TEB – If you could sign one current player from Palace, who would it be and why?
AC – I’d go with Justin Devenny. He’s 21 and has quite a bit of experience already. He’s demonstrated great close control and brilliant work rate off the bench in Premier League games, and I feel his potential could be endless.
TEB – Favourite away day in League two?
AC – It has to be Grimsby Town. Getting the coach up to Blundell Park, or getting off the train at Cleethorpes to walk along the seaside towards the stadium and the vast array of chip shops along the way. That for me is an away day soaked in British culture!
TEB – Predictions for the game on Monday including final score?
AC – I think that Thursday’s embarrassment is a clear indication that lessons must be learned. It’s going to be even harder without 3/4 key individuals, but if we can keep the score line respectable, then we can leave the cup with some form of pride. I’m going to predict a 1-0 win for Palace.
