- by Chris Mortley

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has named arguably his strongest side for the opening game of the new Championship season.

Rovers commence their campaign against Preston North End at Deepdale, kicking off at 3:00pm.

Neil Sullivan starts in goal, protected by a back four of - from right to left - James O'Connor, Shelton Martis, Adam Lockwood and summer signing George Friend.

Five men are expected to line up in the middle of the park, although it does provide flexibility for Rovers. James Coppinger, skipper and former North End man Brian Stock, Simon Gillett, Martin Woods and James Hayter make up the midfield.

Summer club record signing Billy Sharp starts as the lone striker for Doncaster Rovers.

Former Rovers Chris Brown starts for Preston North End.

Rovers: Sullivan; O'Connor, Lockwood, Martis, Friend; Coppinger, Stock, Gillett, M. Woods, Hayter; Sharp

Subs: G. Woods, Brooker, Shiels, Hird, Payne, Fairhurst, Dumbuya

Preston North End: Lonergan; Gray, Jones, Morgan, Davidson; Mayor, Russell, James, Treacy; Brown, Hayes

Subs: Coutts, Barton, Parry, King, Arestidou, McLaughlin, Wright