Bristol City v Doncaster

Last updated : 01 April 2011 By BBC Sport

Jamie McAllister (broken rib), Cole Skuse (toe) and Jon Stead (ankle) could all return from long absences to play some part for Bristol City.But defenders Steven Caulker (knee) and Liam Fontaine (ankle) will miss the rest of the season, while Louis Carey is recovering from a skull fracture.

Doncaster's Wayne Thomas (knee) and Steve Brooker (ankle) are fit again.

But Martin Woods (groin) is sidelined, as are Billy Sharp, James Chambers, James O'Connor and Mustapha Dumbuya.

MATCH PREVIEW

Bristol City have had their problems this season but their excellent recent form has eased any relegation fears. They have won five of their last six matches and are pursuing a fourth consecutive home victory.

While the Robins have been moving away from the danger zone, injury-hit Doncaster have continued to slide towards it. Rovers are without a win in four matches and are only nine points above the bottom three.

The Yorkshire side have the division's joint worst defensive record away from home, along with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, having conceded 41 goals on the road. They have also developed a worrying knack of letting in late goals, shipping 10 this season in the final five minutes of matches - more than any other Championship team.

The absence of key players, not least top scorer Billy Sharp, has hit them hard. But the return of others, such as Steve Brooker, gives them some reason for optimism. Brooker, a former Bristol City player, will make his 250th career start if he is restored to the side on Saturday.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• City have won 16 and Doncaster 11 of the 38 previous matches between these clubs.

• Rovers are unbeaten in four games against the Robins (W3, D1).

Bristol City

• City are top of the Championship's 'form table' based on the last six matches.

• They have conceded five goals this season in the opening five minutes of matches - more than any other team in the division.

• A win would leave the Robins with 15 league victories - as many as they managed throughout the whole of last season.

Doncaster

• A win for Doncaster would take their number of points secured under manager Sean O'Driscoll to 300.

• They are one of three clubs not to have scored more than three goals in a Championship game this season.

• Jason Euell is in line for his 400th career league appearance, and James Coppinger his 250th league appearance for Doncaster.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport