Doncaster Rovers have been playing football at Belle Vue since 1922, but Saturdays game against the Reds’ will see the curtain come down on the Rovers home before they move into the all new singing and dancing Keepmoat Stadium and not before time, as many who have visited the ground will agree it is need of a little more than a lick of paint.
Forest will have to be up for it in this one, as Rovers have only lost once in the last 11 games. Calderwood will be looking for a good response from his players as they look to put the Orient defeat behind them. Despite last weeks ‘wobble,’ as captain Ian Breckin called it, Forest remain 4 points clear of the chasing pack. Rovers sit in 11th spot.
Vital Quotes:
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
Rovers have not played a game since December 12, when they beat Mansfield in the FA Cup 2-0. Manager Sean O’Driscoll should be able to select from a fully fit squad, apart from Stephen Roberts. He had some brain scans after suffering severe migraines. The good news is the defender was given the all clear by the doctors.
Donny from: Smith, Street, Lockwood, Lee, Gareth Roberts, Price, Heffernan, Stock, Paul Green, Coppinger, McCammon, Thornton, Forte, Guy, Dyer, Wilson.
Player to watch: Sean Thornton
Thornton is a Republic of Ireland international who has spent the early part of the season out with an ankle injury. It is probably no coincidence that Rovers decent run started with his return to the side. Not a prolific goalscorer, but he is an influential part of the team.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest could be without John Curtis. He picked up an ankle injury during the Leyton Orient defeat on Saturday. Forest will probably bring in James Perch as replacement.
Forest from: Smith, Cullip, Morgan, Breckin, Curtis Agogo, Southall, Clingan, Gary Holt, Commons, Grant Holt Perch, Tyson, Dobie, Pedersen, Thompson.
Player to watch: Nathan Tyson
Tyson has hit the net 6 times since his return from injury. Forest will look to him to spearhead the attack. His pace could be too much for the Rovers defence.
Match Facts & Stats
The form guide from previous games, would suggest that Forest could be party poopers. In 20 League encounters the Reds’ have run off with the points on 13 occasions, there have been 5 draws and only 2 defeats.
Next Fixtures:
26 December, 2006: Port Vale. Home, 3pm.
