Saturday 21st November 2009
The Coca Cola Championship
The Keepmoat Stadium
Referee: A Bates
Kick-off:15:00
Doncaster Rovers (20th) V Queens Park Rangers (4th)
By The Godfather

On Thursday, Queens Park Rangers completed the signing of midfielder, Steven Reid, on a one-month loan deal from Blackburn. With Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands out injured, the 28 year-old will offer the Rs experience and leadership qualities in the middle of the park. Reid has played on the international stage, having earned 22 caps for Ireland, captaining them in a match against Holland in 2006. He could prove to be a useful addition to the side.

Both Reid and fellow new signing, Tommy Williams, could make their debuts on Saturday afternoon when Rangers face a struggling Doncaster Rovers side. Magilton's men will be hoping to continue their superb form away from home. With respect to Donny supporters, this is a game that the Super Hoops should win if they are to challenge for promotion.

Doncaster Rovers

Season 2008-09 finish: 14th place.

Manager: Sean O'Driscoll

The loss of a star player often has a negative impact on a team's performances. Take Swansea for example. Without taking into account their thrilling derby-day victory over Cardiff a couple of weeks ago, the Swans have found it difficult to score goals without the presence of the prolific Jason Scotland up front, who left to join Wigan last summer.

In Doncaster's case, their star player was Richie Wellens, who joined Leicester during the summer in a big-money move. Wellens was an integral part of the Rovers team that achieved a respectable mid-table finish last season. In truth, O'Driscoll has struggled to cope with his departure. At the moment, the team is lacking a creative spark in midfield, something which is so important at any level of football.

Of course, it would be wrong to blame Doncaster's poor start to the season entirely on the absence of Wellens. In my view, the squad lacks proven Championship quality. Perhaps this is why Rovers sit in 20th position in the league table, only a point off the relegation zone. Supporters will be feeling concerned.

Men to watch

The name Billy Sharp will no doubt evoke memories of that horrible day at Sheffield United in August 2008. Yes, that's right. This is the same Sharp who netted a hat-trick against Rangers. Since then, however, the 23 year-old's career has taken a turn for the worse. The striker, who was once a prolific goalscorer in League One, joined Donny on a season-long loan after failing to break into the first team at Bramall Lane. Since then, he has shown signs of regaining his goalscoring form, finding the net 4 times in 8 starts. I do hope Magilton has identified this threat.

Dean Shiels could partner Sharp in attack. The 24 year-old signed for Rovers during the summer, after enjoying a successful five-year spell with Hibernian. The Northern Irish international could pose a threat on Saturday afternoon.

O'Driscoll also has experienced centre-forward, James Hayter, at his disposal. During his time with Bournemouth, the 30 year-old was responsible for the fastest Football League hat-trick ever, netting three goals in 140 seconds. He signed for Donny in 2007 and has since made 69 appearances, scoring 14 times.

In midfield, the manager could select James Coppinger. The 28 year-old, who joined QPR on loan briefly in 2001, has played for Doncaster since 2004, making just under 200 appearances. A favourite with the fans, Coppinger could provide the Rs midfielders with a stern test on Saturday.

On the wing, John Oster could be given a place in the starting line-up. The 30 year-old has bags of experience in this division, having played for Burnley, Reading and Crystal Palace in recent years. The former Welsh international joined Rovers during the summer and is expected to make an important contribution to the club's 2009/10 campaign.

O'Driscoll could also select the versatile Quinton Fortune in his starting line-up. The 32 year-old is best known for his seven-year spell with Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson used him as both a full-back and a midfielder. However, Fortune was hampered by injuries and left Old Trafford in 2006. Brief periods with Bolton, Brescia and Tubize followed, before he joined Rovers last summer on a free transfer.

At the back, James O'Connor could start. The former Aston Villa trainee signed for Donny in 2006. The 24 year-old has since made over 100 appearances, impressing the supporters with a series of solid displays. O'Connor can play in the heart of defence or as a right-back.

In goal, Neil Sullivan is likely to keep his place. The 39 year-old, who was famously lobbed from the half-way line by David Beckham, is a talented shot-stopper. He has enjoyed successful spells with Wimbledon, Tottenham and Leeds, earning 28 international caps for Scotland in the process. Since joining Donny in 2007, Sullivan has established himself as a first team regular, making well over 100 appearances.

Previous Match

March 2009 - Doncaster picked up a comfortable victory over Queens Park Rangers at the Keepmoat Stadium. Rovers took an early lead when Damion Stewart headed Matthew Mills' cross into his own net. Donny soon doubled their advantage, Paul Heffernan heading home Martin Woods' corner. QPR never looked like they would get back into the match and the home side held on for a deserved victory.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: "It's not a nice moment for us. It's a difficult moment because each mistake we make we are being penalised for. Until the moment they scored the first goal we controlled the game. And then you get a little bit down, you concede the second goal also with another mistake and then it's difficult. If you want to achieve the project of the board - the Premier League - you need players who have a lot of personality. It's a good moment to analyse that."

Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Queens Park Rangers

QPR Team News

Gavin Mahon (knee) and Rowan Vine (hernia) will both be sidelined for lengthy spells. Angelo Balanta could be back in contention for a place in the squad after recovering from a groin injury. Martin Rowlands and Lee Cook remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

It is a real shame that Gavin Mahon will be out for four months. Over the last few weeks I felt that he was becoming an important part of the team. Not only did he carry out the role of a defensive midfielder effectively; he also kept possession superbly. I hope that Reid will prove to be a good replacement.

In my view, this is a match that Queens Park Rangers should win. If the team performs to the best of its ability, then it could be a comfortable victory. I'll make this an optimistic prediction.

Doncaster Rovers 1-3 Queens Park Rangers