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Notts Forest v Doncaster

Preview:
Striker David Johnson will be missing from Nottingham Forest's line-up when they entertain Doncaster.

After playing through the discomfort of a back injury, Johnson has been told surgery is required and is now facing the prospect of between two and three months on the sidelines.

Fellow forward Spencer Weir-Daley is expected to miss the remainder of the season after a shoulder injury forced him to go under the knife too.

Winger Felix Bastians has been ruled out until the new year, with the German sustaining an ankle knock.

Utility player John Thompson is pushing for a recall after serving a one-game suspension, while Kris Commons (ankle), David Friio (calf) and Gino Padula (groin) could also play a part.

But Danny Cullip remains sidelined by hamstring trouble, while Scott Dobie has yet to recover from a hip operation.

Doncaster welcome back New Zealand international David Mulligan for the trip to the City Ground.

The utility player has missed the last three games with a foot injury but is back in contention.

Dave Penney's side have no new injury concerns and, according to assistant-boss Mickey Walker, are nursing only ``broken hearts'' after their Carling Cup defeat against Arsenal.

On-loan goalkeeper Dino Seremet has returned to Luton, and Tonny Nielsen will step up to the bench as cover for Jan Budtz.

Phil McGuire, Tim Ryan, Andy Warrington and Jermaine McSporran are still ruled out, while Barry Richardson is missing with a broken leg.

.....well its a question for me how Donny will react after the penalty defeat by Arsenal in the League Cup. Theyve won 9 of the last 12 & although its xmas I think the extra 2 days rest is needed for them to get over the agonising cup defeat.
Forest at home are strong with a record of 8-2-2-17-7 & their last 5 at home is 4-1-0-7-1. Theyve not won in 2, losing at Scunny last time out & being held by their bogey team Walsall at the City Ground before that.
Donnys away record is 4-1-5-11-12 & the last 5 is 4-0-1-11-6. Theyve won the last 2 v MK Dons away & at home to Swansea. Theyve also won away at Barnsley, Oldham & Swansea & any side doing the double over the Swans looks worth backing at 2/1 to me, particularly with Forest missing strikers.