Big Match Preview

Doncaster Rovers vs. Nottingham Forest

Saturday October 2, 15:00, Keepmoat Stadium

Two sides level on points in the Championship meet this weekend as Doncaster and Nottingham Forest go head-to-head at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Both teams sit in mid-table, just a win off the top six, and will hope three points on Saturday will take them closer towards those coveted play-off positions.

Rovers will be seeking to return to winning ways after successive defeats in away games at QPR and Coventry in the last week.

Despite controlling the first half against Rangers, the Yorkshire side fell apart late on to lose 3-0, they then conceded another late goal at the Ricoh Arena in midweek in a 2-1 defeat.

Boss Sean O'Driscoll will hope home comforts - Donny are unbeaten at the Keepmoat this term - will see a more profitable return from the weekend's game therefore.

Playing the passing football which has become their hallmark, home wins have been secured against Norwich and Hull, as well as draws against Bristol City and Leeds.

Central for Rovers has been the form of striker Billy Sharp, whose goal in midweek was his third of the campaign. James Coppinger with four, including a hat-trick in their win over Norwich, could also be a key man.

Visitors Forest arrive looking to extend an eight match unbeaten run in the league. Not since an opening day loss at Burnley have they tasted defeat.

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies is eyeing the top six again

Although victories have been hard to come by - the East Midlands side have won just twice - Billy Davies's side look typically well organised and are expected to feature towards the top again.

Forest were play-off semi final losers to Blackpool in May, something which may partly account for their slow beginning to this term.

Wily boss Davies has been petitioning his board at the City Ground for further additions to a squad he feels is currently lacking. However, Forest still have one of the strongest teams in the division.

Keeper Lee Camp is arguably the best in the Championship and, with the likes of Dexter Blackstock and Robert Earnshaw, the Tricky Trees shouldn't be short of goals this term either.

Captain Paul McKenna is also a key man dictating things in midfield. His second half goal rescued a point for Forest against Sheffield United in midweek.

Forest's only away success this term was a 2-1 win at McKenna's old club Preston. Draws have also been recorded at Hull and Reading.

Both sides like to play the game the right way and this should be a good match to watch. Davies and Forest will not make life easy for Doncaster though.

With Rovers solid at home and Forest difficult to beat, a draw looks almost too predictable an outcome. So predictable, I wonder if Forest might just edge it.

Nobes' Prediction: Doncaster Rovers 0 Nottingham Forest 1