Notts County v Doncaster Rovers match preview

Although the vast majority of Notts fans will be expecting their side face a very tough battle tomorrow night, none will write them off.

Good times: Notts players celebrate after knocking Middlesbrough out of the cup...

Despite an early exit in the Carling Cup last year, County have proved that they can upset the big dogs now and again.

In 2006 Middlesbrough, Southampton and Crystal Palace were all shot down by the Magpies - a huge contrast to last season where Notts were brushed aside 3-0 by Coventry City in the first round of the competition.

Although you would not associate Doncaster Rovers as a 'big dog', they are nonetheless a Championship side that will prove very strong opponents.

Rovers will be on a high having beaten Paul Jewell's Derby County at the weekend, and will look to maintain their momentum by beating Notts.

Ian McParland's side will have the home advantage however, and with the backing of the Kop, who knows what could happen?

Everyone is hoping that last year's efforts are behind the team and that Notts will progress into the later stages to face one of the Premiership big boys.

First of all though… The Mighty Reds.

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Team news:

Notts County will almost certainly be without Michael Johnson at the heart of the defence as a precaution.

Johnson appeared to be struggling at the weekend, meaning Adam Tann is expected to deputise alongside Michael Edwards.

Stephen Hunt and Gavin Strachan are still out with long-term injuries, whilst Russell Hoult is still not ready for action.

Neil Mackenzie, Jay Smith, Ben Fairclough, Spencer Weir-Daley and Sean Canham may feature heavily in an attempt to give fringe players a chance to impress.

Doncaster Rovers will welcome back former Magpie Paul Heffernan who has now seen out his suspension.

Experienced striker Darren Byfield will be out for the visitors with a hernia problem meaning the Irish front-man may be given a starting spot.

Like Notts, Sean O'Driscoll may opt to give a few of his fringe players a run out, with the league taking priority.

New signing from Leicester City, James Chambers, may be one of these expecting to play a significant role in the game.

Ones to watch:

Myles Weston earned himself man of the match at the weekend with a determined performance away at Bradford City.

Notts will be looking at the promising winger to use his pace to get behind the Rovers' defence to create opportunities for the strikers.

Fine form: Weston troubled Bradford City on Saturday...

His deliveries will have to be more consistent if Notts are to reap the rewards of his terrorising runs down the flanks.

Paul Heffernan will be looking to grab a goal or two upon his return to Meadow Lane.

The Irish striker is remembered at Notts for his goal-scoring record and will have to be watched closely if Kevin Pilkington and the back four are to prevent Doncaster from scoring.

Heffernan scored eight times in all competitions last season and will hope to build upon this to force his way into a strong Doncaster side.

Tomorrow's game may be a big opportunity for him to show his boss that he deserves a first team place.

Key battle:

Jamie Forrester will have a tough time against Rovers' record signing, Matthew Mills.

The new arrival from Lincoln City will go into the game looking to break his competitive duck in a Notts shirt, after failing to strike against the Bantams on Saturday.

However, the former Manchester City man will prove a huge stumbling block.

Mills was awarded Doncaster's man of the match award against the Rams, after minimising the involvement of Nathan Ellington and Rob Hulse greatly.

Odds:

Rovers are favourites at 4/5 according to Ladbrokes, which is no surprise considering their higher league status. Notts have odds of 13/5 to win, whereas a draw will see odds of 12/5.

Admission prices tomorrow night are £10 for adults and £5 concessions in an attempt to boost the attendance.