by Adam Stubbings

The late, late show against Crewe will go down as one of the greatest moments in Keepmoat history, oddly enough up there with another 3-2 comeback win over Crewe in 2007, a result that sent us to Wembley courtesy of Jason Price's last minute winner. Rovers are in high gear now heading into the Christmas fixtures, and head to league leaders Burton brimming with confidence and belief. Defensive lapses belied a dominant display hampered only by the adverse playing conditions last weekend, and the ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat is a rare attribute in a Doncaster Rovers side.

Our current four game unbeaten run includes a terrific draw away at Coventry, top of the league at the time. Saturday's opponents Burton are now back at the summit of League One and on a four match winning run of their own, but are stepping into the relative unknown when they face the Rovers with new manager Nigel Clough set for his first game in charge of the Brewers in nearly seven years. In 11 years as player-manager, Clough guided Burton from the Unibond League to the brink of the Football League before departing for illustrious neighbours Derby, but returns to a club now at the highest point in their history and with expectations of keeping their place at the top. Their game saw a superb 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Gillingham, the team who handed Paul Dickov his final defeat as Rovers boss back in September.

Four days prior to that result, Rovers and Burton met in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. A drab affair was scoreless at full time, and Rovers won 5-3 on penalties to advance. We also defeated Burton in last year's competition, running out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Pirelli Stadium but these are the only two meetings between the sides since both played in the Conference in 2003. Rovers actually take a 100% record against Burton into this weekend's fixture, but this will surely be the toughest of the five matches to date with our opponents five points clear at the top and boasting the best defence in the league. Clough was at the helm for those non-league meetings over a decade ago, but more recently guided Sheffield United to a pair of derby victories over Rovers last season.

Dany N'Guessan and Gary Mackenzie remain sidelined for Rovers, but Felipe Mattioni may be fit enough to return to the bench. Young trio Cedric Evina, Mitchell Lund and Harry Middleton all signed welcome new contracts this week and should be on the teamsheet again here, whilst Burton will be without midfielders Robbie Weir and Zeli Ismail as well as defender Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, whilst former Rovers winger Mark Duffy is expected to line-up against his former club.