The Big Match Preview: Doncaster Rovers (H)

Derby will look to continue their fine early season form on their own patch, with Doncaster Rovers the visitors to Pride Park.

The Rams have secured the maximum nine points from the opening three games of the season whereas Donny have only netted one league goal on their way to three defeats.

In fact, their record mirror's Derby's exactly, with their opening fixture lost 1-2 and the following two matches finishing 0-1.

So, a simple task on home soil to pick up three points on the face of it, but runs must come to an end and Nigel Clough's charges will have to be professional to beat Sean O'Driscoll's Yorkshire side.

Rams manager Nigel Clough hopes the excellent early-season form will continue: 'We hope this good feeling we have built up continues into the two games (Doncaster at home and then Burnley at home next Saturday) we've got before the international break.

'We will be emphasising to the players not to waste this good start.

'We want to put on another performance, especially at home after two very good away wins.

'If we keep working hard, we've got a chance (of winning against Doncaster).'

Donny boss Sean O'Driscoll was impressed with The Rams in their victory over Blackpool: 'The goal came from a rash tackle about 20 yards out, a quick reaction from a Derby player from the resulting free kick was the difference between the two teams.'

'They (Derby) were very professional and worked hard, Blackpool created one or two half chances but Derby looked composed on the ball - you'd have to say they deserved the three points, that's three out of three for them, you can't do better than that.'

There are no new injury worries for Rams boss Nigel Clough to contend with.

However, James Bailey (ankle) and striker Jamie Ward will both undergo late fitness tests to see whether they can face Donny.

Nine players are still out with longer term problems. They are striker Nathan Tyson, defenders Shaun Barker, Chris Riggott, Russell Anderson, Jake Buxton and Dean Leacock. Reserve goalkeeper Saul Deeney, Conor Doyle and Stephen Pearson also miss out.

Defender Shackell has been a rock in defence since signing from Barnsley in the summer.

The stopper had a loan spell with The Vikings last season and has an important job to do marshalling a defence with the inexperienced, but thus far excellent, Mark O'Brien.

Doncaster's star striker Billy Sharp was carried off on a stretcher on the opening day of the season against Brighton and will play no part. Neither will fellow frontman James Hayter who befell the same fate.

Chelsea striker Milan Lalkovic signed a loan deal at the Keepmoat in midweek and could be handed a start with Donny so light in attacking options.

Diminutive attacking midfielder Coppinger has been one of Doncaster's best performers since joining from Exeter City in 2004.

He was desperately unlucky not to find the back of the net in the recent defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Derby County last results:

Blackpool (a) 1-0

Watford (a) 1-0

Shrewsbury Town (h) 2-3

Birmingham City (h) 2-1

Doncaster Rovers last results:

Nottingham Forest (h) 0-1

West Ham United (h) 0-1

Tranmere Rovers (h) 3-0

Brighton & Hove Albion (a) 1-2

Derby County vs. Burnley, Sat 27th August, 15:00pm, The Championship

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