Doncaster Rovers v Derby County: Rovers will look to progress at expense of their rivals Rams

One point is all that separates the two teams placed 12th and 13th in the 24-team Championship with Doncaster holding the positional advantage but Derby the greater goals record with a difference of plus six to Rovers' zero.

Rovers are just two points from a place in the top six and they hold a healthy cushion on the bottom three of seven points.

They do benefit tonight from home advantage having taken points in all five of their league games at the Keepmoat this season. Derby, by contrast, have won only once on their travels.

George Friend (knee) and James O'Connor (hamstring) are two key players manager Sean O'Driscoll is hoping can overcome the injuries they sustained in last Saturday's win at Scunthorpe in time to feature against the Rams.

For Derby, Paul Green is in line to make a return to first-team action against his former club.

The 27-year-old, who swapped the Keepmoat for Pride Park in 2008, injured a hamstring while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland last week.

But manager Nigel Clough said yesterday: "Paul trained this morning and we will take a view Tuesday afternoon on his fitness and if he has had any reaction.

"It was good to have him back in training with us and if he is fit it could give us an opportunity to freshen things up if we wanted to with three games in a week.

"The last time that happened we had a few players who were dead on their feet, so if we can mix it up we will."

Gareth Roberts makes his first return to Doncaster having left the club on a free transfer in the summer.

Last six matches: Doncaster WDLLDW, Derby LDWWDW.

Last time: Doncaster 2 Derby 1; Championship; March 13, 2010.

Referee: K G Evans (Lancashire).