The Big Match Preview: Doncaster Rovers (A)

After the thrilling late win over Nottingham Forest, it is vital that The Rams continue to pick up points, proving that they are not just big-time Charlies.

Doncaster away, with the greatest of respect, is hardly as glamorous as a home tie against a club's biggest rivals so Derby must make sure it isn't a case of out of the fire and into the frying pan.

Donny are turning into 1-1 specialists, with the Yorkshire side seeing their games end in that scoreline four times in the last five games. The other match was a 2-1 win against Forest at The City Ground.

Scottish midfielder Craig Bryon is targeting back-to-back wins for The Rams: 'I think it (the victory over Nottingham Forest) will give us a lift. Against Watford we were a bit flat, I don't know why, and nobody can put their finger on it.

'But I think we will go into the game with Doncaster full of confidence and hopefully the fans will get behind us right until the end of the season.

'When we have had good results this season we have let ourselves down in the following game. So it is important that we keep up a high tempo, and a good performance and energy high going into the game with Doncaster Rovers.

'Fair enough they are down the bottom end of the table, but they are a decent side with good players.'

Donny defender Shelton Martis is once again available for selection after a groin problem.

Left-back Tommy Spurr has a broken hand but will still be available for Dean Saunders.

Senegalese nice guy El Hadji Diouf is the biggest name to play for Doncaster Rovers in the history of the club.

The former Liverpool man has infuriated teams up and down the country but, in fairness, has rejected more money to continue playing football in England and has been excellent for Donny this season.

He has five goals in fifteen games this season.

Derby begin life without their captain Shaun Barker who is expected to be out at least until the end of the season.

Youngster Tom Naylor may be closer to the side after Barker's unfortunate knee injury.

Centre-back Shackell will be facing his former club at the weekend in good form, after producing a good performance against Forest, helping his side to a clean sheet.

He will need to be in good form in the absence of Shaun Barker, and is likely to captain the side.

Derby County last 5:

Nottingham Forest (h) 1-0

Watford (h) 1-2

Blackpool (h) 2-1

Birmingham City (a) 2-2

Leicester City (h) 0-1



Doncaster Rovers last 5:

Reading (h) 1-1

West Ham United (a) 1-1

Nottingham Forest (a) 2-1

Brighton & Hove Albion (h) 1-1

Peterborough United (h) 1-1

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Derby County, Tue 20th March, 19:45pm, The Championship

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