Doncaster v C Palace preview

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New Doncaster boss Dean Saunders is set to benefit from considerably replenished forward options against Crystal Palace.

Rovers are boosted by the return of striker Billy Sharp and Tottenham youngster Ryan Mason, both having recovered from ankle injuries.

With the duo expected to feature from the bench, Jon Parkin is in line for his debut after joining on loan from Cardiff this week.

Another striker, Milan Lalkovic, extended his loan spell from Chelsea in recent days and will be eager to add to his three substitute appearances at the Keepmoat.

Saunders will be hoping to transform Doncaster’s miserable form in his first match, with his new employers claiming just one point from their opening seven Championship games.

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has some selection dilemmas.

Freedman made eight changes to the side beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough in the league last weekend and his fringe players responded with a 2-1 win over the same opposition in the Carling Cup.

Young winger Wilfried Zaha and forgotten striker Calvin Andrew got the goals to push their claims for a place.

Julian Speroni will be back in goal, Darren Ambrose should return in midfield and winger Sean Scannell is likely to start after signing a new contract this week.

Anthony Gardner and Alex Marrow returned from lay-offs in midweek so Nathaniel Clyne (foot), Lee Hills (knee), Kagisho Dikgacoi (hamstring) and Owen Garvan (hip) are the only absentees.

Doncaster v C Palace preview

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Doncaster defender Mustapha Dumbuya is hoping to return.

Dumbuya has missed the last two games due to a calf strain but is expected to be added to Sean O’Driscoll’s squad for the visit of Palace, who are two points behind fifth-bottom Doncaster in the table.

O’Driscoll is unlikely to make too many changes to the side beaten 3-1 at Hull last week. He has no new injury or suspension problems but there are no others ready to return.

Striker Billy Sharp is in a race to be fit before the end of the season following hernia surgery and centre-half Adam Lockwood is making good progress after a knee operation.

But fellow defender James Chambers (knee) and midfield pair Martin Woods (hip) and Paul Keegan (knee) are all unlikely to feature again this season.

Rovers are chasing their first win in nine league matches.

James Vaughan is expected to be fit for Palace.

The on-loan Everton striker limped off at the end of last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by relegation rivals Scunthorpe and underwent a scan amid fears his season could be over.

But his ankle injury is not serious – and the broken bone in his hand he suffered when he punched the dressing-room wall in frustration will not keep him out either.

Winger Sean Scannell starts a three-game ban after his red card against Scunthorpe but utility man David Wright could return after a calf injury.

Midfielder Alex Marrow is also close to fitness after an ankle injury but he is more likely to return against Leeds on Monday.