Rodgers admitted to being "the most disappointed I`ve been since I came to the club" following Tuesday`s 1-1 home draw against Watford, a result which followed last weekend`s 1-0 defeat at Scunthorpe.
Only similar struggles experienced by City`s promotion rivals have seen them hang onto second spot, but Rodgers knows they cannot afford many more slip-ups.
Midfielders Darren Pratley and Leon Britton and striker Craig Beattie may come back into the starting line-up at Pride Park.
Rodgers will assess the fitness of skipper Garry Monk (knee) and midfielder Andrea Orlandi (thigh) after they both made their long-awaited returns to training at the start of this week, although it is unlikely either will be ready to start.
Midfielder Kemy Agustien will not be involved after joining Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season.
Source: PA
Source: PA