Football is back at the home of Doncaster Rovers this weekend, as Sean O'Driscoll's side welcome Derby County for the third encounter between the two sides this term. It's the first of the final six home games in The Championship this season, with Rovers looking to seal another double over a fellow Championship side. Thus far, Rovers have done the double over Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City and could make it a third on Saturday.
Doncaster Rovers go into the contest off the back of a 1-1 draw at Deepdale against Preston North End on Tuesday evening. In an entertaining spectacle for the neutral, Doncaster Rovers could have easily had the points wrapped up by half time, with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Billy Sharp coming close in the opening forty-five; before James Hayter struck the game's opener with a fine turn and strike on the edge of the area, latching onto Gareth Roberts' powerful pass. Preston North End grabbed their equaliser through former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor just before the half time break. A free kick just inside the Doncaster Rovers half was played long into the far post by Callum Davidson, with Youl Mawene doing exceptionally well to keep the ball in play and across the face of goal for Mellor to poke home. Rovers could have grabbed the winner at the start of the second half, after the visitors were awarded a penalty; however Preston 'keeper Andy Lonergan did well to block Billy Sharp's well-taken penalty.
Derby County fell by four goals to one last Wednesday evening; taking on Reading at the Madejski Stadium. It was a crazy night between the sticks for Derby County, who had Stephen Bywater forced off with a back injury and replacement 'keeper Saul Deeney sent off just before half time. As a result, football's Mr. Marmite Robbie Savage donned the gloves for an entire half! By the time that Deeney was dismissed, Reading were already 2-1 up, thanks to goals from Shane Long and Jimmy Kebe. Arsenal loanee Gilles Sunu temporarily equalised for The Rams after 21 minutes. However, in the second half, The Royals netted another two - with Ryan Bertrand and Simon Church putting the ball beyond the makeshift 'keeper Savage to condemn Derby County to a heavy away defeat.
Derby County sit five places below Doncaster Rovers in The Championship table, sitting in 16th place compared to Doncaster Rovers' 11th place standing. Rovers last faced Derby County in the league at Pride Park back in December, where goals from Billy Sharp and James Coppinger sealed three points for Sean O'Driscoll's side.
Team News
Doncaster Rovers: Martin Woods (groin) returned from injury against Preston North End and could feature against Derby County. Shelton Martis (hamstring) could also return to action after he resumed training this week. Adam Lockwood (foot) is also available for Rovers.
Steve Brooker (ankle) and Byron Webster (foot) are definitely out.
Derby County: Nigel Clough looks set to be without Stephen Bywater, who withdrew from the defeat to Reading with a back injury. The Rams will also be without sub 'keeper Saul Deeney, who was sent off after a foul on Jay Tabb.
Derby County - Last Starting XI
Reading v Derby County (4-4-2)
GK: Stephen Bywater
RB: Nicky Hunt
CB: Shaun Barker
CB: Lewis Buxton
LB: James McEveley
RM: Michael Tonge
CM: Paul Green
CM: Robbie Savage
LM: Stephen Pearson
ST: Rob Hulse
ST: Gilles Sunu
One To Watch - Shaun Barker
Born in nearby Trowell, central defender Shaun Barker made the move to Pride Park last summer after impressing in 134 appearances for Blackpool in both League One and The Championship. A product of the Rotherham United youth system, Barker graduated and went on to make 123 appearances for The Millers between 2000 and 2006. Since arriving at Derby County, Barker has netted three goals in 23 Rams appearances.
Form Guide
Doncaster Rovers - Last Six Home Games: W, L, L, W, L, D
Derby County - Last Six Away Games: D, W, L, D, L, L
Officials
Referee: S A Hooper
Assistant Referees: G Hart & C Kavanagh
Fourth Official: P Bramley
Coverage
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Rovers Kit
Doncaster Rovers will wear red and white hoops, black shorts and black socks for the visit of Derby County to the Keepmoat Stadium.
