City in disarray heading to Donny

City head to bogey team Doncaster in total disarray following the departure of Steve Coppell on Thursday and new boss Keith Millen isn't helped by the stack of injuries hindering his inherited squad.

Eight players miss the trip to South Yorkshire in total but Cole Skuse and Damion Stewart should both available for selection.

Donny could be without key striker Billy Sharp, which could be excellent news for us considering the bugger always scores against us, but have bolstered their attacking options with the loan signing of Ryan Mason from Spurs. Mason might be familiar to West Country fans after spending last season on a season long-loan at Yeovil.

Sean O'Driscoll was a strong contender for the City job before Steve Coppell's appointment in April and will be keen once again to demonstrate his strong footballing principles.

Donny assistant Richard O'Kelly...
"Sometimes a change of manager gives a side impetus. It's up to us to concentrate on what we do and take that away from them.

"Their last game probably wasn't a 3-0 game. Bristol City had their opportunities as well and they were disappointed about a couple of goals that they conceded - but Millwall were very organised and were a threat throughout the game."

City boss Keith Millen...
"It's a tough game there's no doubt about it. They're a terrific footballing side.

'We know the way they play and they love to keep possession of the ball. We can't go there and get frustrated if they play it around. When we get the ball we need to keep it too and make it difficult for them.

"I want the players to express themselves and be lively. If they do that they we will have every chance of taking something from the game."

Defender Wayne Thomas could go straight into Doncaster's side after joining the club from Southampton on a one-year deal whilst Spurs loanee Ryan Mason should feature after singing on Friday.

The lively Simon Gillett is available again after serving a suspension, but Billy Sharp, James Hayter and Martin Woods are all struggling to shake off with groin injuries.

Clever, intelligent winger who has been a thorn in our side before. His runs will need to be closely monitored if City are to succeed.

City expect midfielder and deputy skipper Cole Skuse to be available after being withdrawn at Southend with up a hamstring strain. Damion Stewart returns having served his suspension at Roots Hall.

Louis Carey (heel) and Christian Ribeiro (back) are close to returning, but will probably join Danny Haynes, Nicky Maynard, James Wilson, Kalifa Cisse, Lewin Nyatanga and Sam Vokes on the sidelines.

Will be looking to run at the defence and generally play wider than he did against Millwall last week. Could have key role to play.

The last three matches between the two sides at the Keepmoat ended 1-0 to Donny.

The home team are after their fourth consecutive victory over the Robins.

City have not lost their opening two games for 14 years.

Steve Brooker could make his 250th career appearance against his old club.

Paul Tierney (Lancashire) Paul was promoted to the select group of assistant referees in 2008 and in the same year was appointed as an assistant referee for a Football League Play Off Semi-Final and a UEFA Cup tie.

DONNY 2 CITY 1 With all City's injuries and our past history up here, I can't see past a narrow home win though it wouldn't surprise me if we snuck a result as we often do with our backs to the wall.

DONNY:

Sat 21 Aug Cardiff (a) 3pm

Sat 28 Aug Hull (h) 3pm

Sat 11 Sept Watford (a) 3pm

CITY:

Sat 21 Aug Barnsley (h) 3pm

Sat 28 Aug Ipswich Town (a) 3pm

Sat 11 Sept Scunthorpe (a) 3pm

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