Nottingham Forest v Doncaster Rovers: O’Driscoll in way of Rovers

O’Driscoll, who was sacked as Rovers manager in September, is now first-team coach at Nottingham Forest, who are also battling for Championship survival.

It will be his first reunion with Rovers since losing his job to Dean Saunders who, ironically, will also be pitting his wits against former employers tonight.

Saunders spent one season playing for Forest after returning to English football from a spell at Turkish club Galatasaray in 1997.

Rovers are five points away from safety at the bottom of the table – one point further adrift than when O’Driscoll left.

Significantly, they have two games in hand and victory will reduce 20th-placed Forest’s advantage to just three points.

“There’s no way around it, this is a massive game for both teams,” said Saunders. “In an ideal world, I would want Forest to stay in the league and get back to the Premier League but not at our expense.”

Rovers captain Brian Stock could be out for the rest of the season after tearing a groin during Saturday’s home draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Last six games: Forest LDLWWD, Rovers LDLLDD.

Last time: Forest 0 Rovers 0, March 12, 2011, Championship.

Referee: MJ Jones (Cheshire).