With referee Carl Boyeson having examined the pitch prior to kick off, the game goes ahead despite the freezing temperatures in South Yorkshire.
Wheater returns from a one-match suspension to replace Seb Hines, despite the youngster impressing in last weekend's 1-0 win over Cardiff.
Lita replaces the injured Nicky Bailey, and will partner Scott McDonald in attack in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation.
Marvin Emnes will start on the left wing, despite having played up front last weekend, with Gary O'Neil operating on the opposite flank.
DONCASTER (4-4-2): Sullivan; Hird, Martis, Souza, Lockwood; Stock, Coppinger, Wilson, Oster; Sharp, Hayter.
Subs: Woods (gk), Mills, Healy, Clark, Shiels, Webster, Fairhurst.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; Hoyte, Bates, Wheater, Bennett; O'Neil, Thomson, Arca, Emnes; Lita, McDonald.
Subs: Coyne (gk), McMahon, Hines, Tavares, Kink, Robson, Boyd.
Source: Northern Echo
