Rovers host near neighbours Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in what is sure to be a highly contested ‘Yorkshire Derby’.
The game marks the first encounter between the two sides since the 2009/10 season.
Rovers did the double over the Owls during that campaign and come the end of the season they were relegated to the third tier of English football.
Last season saw both sides battle to achieve very different goal. Rovers were in a Championship relegation battle and eventually fell just short whilst Wednesday were at the other end of the spectrum and were looking to gain promotion back to the Championship after a two season absence.
After starting that season under the stewardship of Gary Megson, Wednesday decided to bring in former Cardiff City manager Dave Jones to help push on and make sure they were in an automatic promotion place come the final straight.
Having achieved that goal, Jones now has the even bigger task of trying to build a team capable to live up to the expectation of the blue half of the Steel City.
The Owls have already tied up deals for four players, and are looking to further bolster their squad before the start of the season. Former Derby County striker Chris Maguire eventually moved to Sheffield when Wednesday’s improved offer for the young Scot was accepted.
Maguire joins experienced centre back Anthony Gardner following his decision to leave Crystal Palace at the end of his contract. Slovenian International Nejn Pecknic and Portuguese midfielder Diogo Amado have also joined Dave Jones’ Owls.
Rovers boss Dean Saunders admits he is still playing a waiting game when it comes to transfers in and out of the club.
After confirming a bid for defender George Friend from Championship side Middlesbrough had been accepted over the weekend, Dean was still expecting other clubs to enter the race to sign him, although no other firm offers have been received.
Dean has, however, confirmed that he is trying to tie impressive youngsters Kyle Bennett and James Husband to new contracts. The pair have been the stand out player during the pre-season and Saunders is moving quickly to try and secure them beyond their current contracts.
Team News to follow
TRAVEL INFO
A630 Balby Road – New section of inbound Bus Lane between Oswin Ave and Greenfield Lane
24/7 inbound lane closures, with restricted outbound lane closures, although in the main these will be removed by 1530hrs to cater for the evening peak period.
There are also major roadworks around the Keepmoat Stadium, M18 Junction 3.