Doncaster v C Palace preview
Last Updated: September 23, 2011 5:05pm
Sharp: Back from ankle injury
Team news ahead of Saturday's Championship clash between Doncaster and Crystal Palace at the Keepmoat Stadium.
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.
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 |
