Doncaster V Blackpool at Keepmoat Stadium : Match Preview

13 February 2012 17:01
Same again for Saunders

Doncaster manager Dean Saunders could enjoy the luxury of fielding an unchanged side when Blackpool visit the Keepmoat Stadium.

Rovers sat out the weekend action as their trip to Crystal Palace was postponed and Saunders has no new injury worries from last week's goalless draw with Hull.

Adam Lockwood is set to continue alongside Sam Hird in the centre of defence as the second game of Habib Beye's three-match ban for his dismissal at Bristol City prevents the Senegal international from celebrating Monday's permanent move to south Yorkshire against Ian Holloway's promotion chasers.

On-loan forward Habib Bamago made his Rovers debut at the KC Stadium and will hope to repel the claims of Kyle Bennett to retain his place in a three-pronged attack alongside James Hayter and El-Hadji Diouf.

Martin Woods was selected for his first start of the season against the Tigers following a lengthy absence with a troublesome groin injury and is expected to continue in midfield alongside Brian Stock and John Oster, with Damien Plessis awaiting his debut from the bench once more.

Veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan (thumb), defender George Friend (knee) and winger James Coppinger (broken cheekbone) remain on the sidelines.

Blackpool will be without in-form winger Matt Phillips. Phillips has displayed scintillating form in recent weeks as Ian Holloway's Seasiders have stormed into the npower Championship promotion picture, but he complained of a tight hamstring following Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Portsmouth.

"I've lost Matt Phillips with a tight hamstring so I can't risk that," Holloway told the club's official website.

"Hopefully that will save it getting any worse.

"I've tried to keep his run and form going - and we have done - but with the strains and rigours of this, reaching those levels every single time he's played might be too much.

I can't risk that so we're going to look after him."

On-loan Wigan forward Nouha Dicko could come in as a straight replacement for Phillips, although Holloway could also take a more experienced route and call on Gary Taylor-Fletcher or Kevin Phillips - both of whom featured from the bench against Pompey.

Keith Southern has returned to training after suffering a gashed ankle against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last month, but the game comes too soon for the midfielder.

Doncaster V Blackpool - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA