Blackburn should be at full strength on the pitch though boss Sam Allardyce remains absent for the Stoke City dug-out.
McDonald has been in temporary charge while Allardyce has undergone minor heart surgery, but with Allardyce hoping to be back behind his desk at the training ground on Monday.
McDonald is anxious to ensure the manager returns with a smile on his face.
Blackburn come into the game looking to shrug off their midweek defeat at Fulham, and their home record this season is very good.
They have lost just once on the opening day to Manchester City - but have since reeled off four wins and a draw from their next five matches.
Recent history is also very much on Blackburn's side as they have won five of their last six league matches against Stoke.
McDonald has reported no fresh injury concerns although the stand-in manager could decide to reshuffle his pack after the disappointment at Craven Cottage.
Benni McCarthy could return to the attack in place of Jason Roberts while winger Morten Gamst Pedersen is itching to play after finding himself out of favour in recent weeks.
Both Brett Emerton and Gael Givet should be available for the match at Ewood Park having missed Wednesday night's 3-0 defeat at Fulham with knee and thigh problems respectively.
Stoke City could move into the top six with victory at Blackburn Rovers. The Potters' excellent maiden campaign in the Premier League last season has been built on with a more than solid start this term.
Stoke have won just one game on their travels this season and they will be hopeful of adding to that at Ewood Park.
Tony Pulis hopes to welcome Glenn Whelan who is expected to have have recovered from a groin strain. Whelan suffered the injury in the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off with France, but returned to training with the Potters this week.
Club captain Abdoulaye Faye is available again having missed last Sunday's 1-0 win over Portsmouth through suspension.
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