Two of the division`s in form sides go head-to-head at the Keepmoat Stadium tonight looking to extend their recent run of form and continue their climb to safety. A second win in Nottingham last Saturday gave the fans something to shout about and a result tonight would add to the growing momentum and confidence growing in the squad in another match against a team placed around Derby in the table.
Miles Addison is missing from this game and he could be a long-term absentee with what is suspected to be a stress fracture of his foot but the diagnoses has been delayed and he will be missed at the heart of the defence. Nacer Barazite is also out after dislocating his shoulder at the City Ground in the fine 3-1 victory last weekend although Jay McEveley may be available after a similar injury. Nigel Clough knows there is still work to be done despite the fourth league win in a row in that Forest game and a result here would breed further confidence and help the climb up the table.
Doncaster`s defeat at Swansea last Saturday was their first in the league since 20th December and they have dragged themselves away from the foot of the table to sit 16th in the Championship, one place and one point behind The Rams. After an impressive opening day display at Pride Park results didn`t go well for Sean O`Driscoll`s men and they found themselves in the bottom places for a stretch before the recent run fired them up the table. Always looking capable of playing good football they seemed to lack the cutting edge and goals to secure the results their performances deserved.
Vital Quotes:
‘We’ve achieved nothing yet.
‘When we get the points we need to be safe in this division we will start saying that we have got somewhere but there is a lot of hard work to be done before we can relax. ‘
Nigel Clough talking to Radio Derby about the need to keep results going in a bid to stay away from the wrong end of the table.
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
Richie Wellens will be out after being sent off last Saturday against Swansea although James Coppinger and Matt Mills should be available for selection.
Player to watch: Paul Heffernan
Irish striker with a turn of pace who is enjoying a good run of form in recent weeks scoring winning goals against Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Derby County Team News:
Nacer Barazite will miss out with his dislocated shoulder but defender Jay McEveley may return after his shoulder injury. Miles Addison will also miss out but Luke Varney, Chris Porter and winger Gary Teale are expected to be available.
Player to watch: Rob Hulse
Scored another goal after dominating the Forest defence last Saturday and must be one of the top strikers in the division on current form. Didn`t have a good day against Rovers on the opening day so he will be looking to put that right here.
Match Facts & Stats
Last five results
Doncaster Rovers
Aston Villa (A) 1-3 Price
Blackpool (A) 3-2 Stock, Hird, Coppinger
Sheffield Wednesday (H) 1-0 Heffernan
Bristol City (H) 1-0 Heffernan
Swansea City (A) 1-3 Coppinger
Derby County
Nottingham Forest (A) 3-2 Hulse, Green, Commons
Plymouth Argyle (A) 3-0 Teale, Hulse (2)
Manchester United (H) 1-4 Addison
Blackpool (H) 4-1 Commons (2), Green, Barazite
Nottingham Forest (A) 3-1 Nyatanga, Hulse, Davies
Match Prediction:
Two of the divisions in form teams going on recent results and a win for either side will help push them further up the table. However, the injuries are starting to bite for Nigel Clough`s side and they will take a point home from the Keepmoat after a 1-1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
3rd Mar v Swansea City (Coca Cola Championship) Pride Park