Preston v Doncaster Rovers: Dickov relaxed about Preston test as Doncaster look for upset

Preston are League One’s form team, a sequence of five straight wins taking them level on points with second-placed MK Dons.

But Rovers have similarly been on the rise in recent times, albeit a climb that was checked by two straight defeats to Port Vale and Bristol City.

After climbing back into the top six with a professional win over Colchester on Saturday, Dickov said: “Preston is a good test for us.

“We can go and take the game to them because everybody will be expecting them to come and attack us and get the result.

“But getting the three points on Saturday lets us go there and relax a bit more.

“When we’ve done that this year we’ve been at our best.

“One thing Simon Grayson has done is recruit really well, buying players who have experience of getting out of this division. We’ve got a fairly young squad when it comes to play-off and promotion experience by comparison, but it’s a challenge I want the players to rise to.

“I’d much rather it be in our hands. Our main focus and aim remains to be there or thereabout come the end of the season.”

James Coppinger is back in the squad and available for selection.

Last six games: Preston WWLWWW; Doncaster WWWLLW.

Referee: D Whitestone (Northants).

Last time: Preston 0 Doncaster 3; December 29, 2012; League One.