Blackpool v Doncaster preview
Gilks to replace Rachubka; Shiels set for debut
Last Updated: February 6, 2009 2:06pm
Gilks: Set to start
Blackpool must make a change in goal against Doncaster, who are set to hand a debut to Dean Shiels.
Goalkeeper Matt Gilks will make his first Championship start for the Seasiders in the crunch home clash on Saturday.
The 26-year-old will replace the suspended Paul Rachubka between the posts after the first-choice keeper was sent off in last weekend's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam is in line to make his debut after he joined on loan until the end of the season.
Francesco Carratta arrived on a free transfer from Royal Antwerp this week and has signed a contract until the end of the season.
He is also in contention to make his bow but midfielder Claus Jorgensen is still banned as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension.
Rob Edwards (hamstring), Keith Southern (ankle), Ben Burgess (knee), Stephen Crainey (hip), Steve McPhee (knee) and Jermaine Wright (Achilles) could all miss out for the injury-hit hosts.
Rovers team news
Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll could hand a debut to new signing Shiels for the trip to the North West.
Shiels was ineligible to play in Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat at Aston Villa due to signing from Hibernian after the date of the original tie, but is likely to be included in the squad.
However fellow striker Steve Brooker, who made his loan move to Rovers from Bristol City permanent last week, is ruled out as he continues to recover from the calf injury that cut short his initial spell at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Martin Woods returned to the starting line-up at Villa after recovering from a virus and could retain his place, meaning Mark Wilson would again drop to the bench.
Doncaster will continue to be without Stuart Elliott after the midfielder's loan with Grimsby was extended by a further month.
Matches
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npower Championship
Table
npower Championship
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 46 | 87 |
| 2 | Hull City | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Watford | 46 | 77 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove Albion | 46 | 75 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 46 | 72 |
| 6 | Leicester City | 46 | 68 |
| 7 | Bolton Wanderers | 46 | 68 |
| 8 | Nottingham Forest | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Charlton Athletic | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Derby County | 46 | 61 |
| 11 | Burnley | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Birmingham City | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Leeds United | 46 | 61 |
| 14 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Blackpool | 46 | 59 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 59 |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 58 |
| 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 58 |
| 19 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 58 |
| 20 | Millwall | 46 | 56 |
| 21 | Barnsley | 46 | 55 |
| 22 | Peterborough United | 46 | 54 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Bristol City | 46 | 41 |
