Bristol Rovers hope to put their FA Cup disappointment against Norwich City behind them as they host Blackpool at the Memorial Stadium in the Sky Bet League One.
The Gas took the lead against the Canaries through Luke McCormick but could not hold on and eventually lost 3-1. A trip to Anfield was on the cards for Matt Tayor's side but now they've got a triple-header of league fixtures against Blackpool, Exeter City and Oxford United coming up in the next week. Ahead of kick-off there are three places that separate the two sides with an eight-point difference. Rovers can narrow the gap with a victory but are at least guaranteed they will not drop out of the top 12 should they not pick up maximum points.
Saturday's opponents Blackpool played on the same day and were the televisied fixture on ITV4. The Seasiders were 2-0 down before Albie Morgan and Kyle Joseph took the game to extra-time but Chris Wood netted the winner in the 110th minute. Blackpool had an injury concern pop up when goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw was forced off with an impact injury, and that has made him a doubt for the weekend.
Grant Ward - a League One play-off winner with Blackpool - will not come up against his former club. He injured his hamstring earlier this month against Norwich and is expected to be out for a month-and-a-half. Midfield is an area of concern for Rovers with former Fleetwood Town midfielder Sam Finley currently playing through the pain barrier and this game might take its toll on the club captain.
Both Taylor and Neil Critchley are contending with injury problems, with some definitely ruled out and others being doubts Here's the latest injury and team news ahead of the clash.
5. Jake Beesley - out
Suffered an injury against Port Vale around the Christmas period, and will be out for a few more weeks. | Getty Images
6. Jake Beesley - out (continued)
"He’ll be out for a few weeks,” Blackpool boss Neil Critchley said on January 9. "He’s got severe bone bruising, so he’ll have to be off his feet for a while." | Getty Images
7. Jordan Rossiter - out
The former Fleetwood Town and Liverpool midfielder has been out for more than a year. He damaged his meniscus against MK Dons in December 2022, and has had a few setbacks when trying to return | Getty Images
8. Jordan Rossiter - out (continued)
Matt Taylor said on January 11: "I'm not entirely sure that he's anything anywhere near imminent in terms of him being able to put a shirt on for us and help us in in the immediate future. “I feel very sorry for Jordan because he has been beset with setbacks and there isn’t a better professional you're going to meet. "He rocks up here in the morning he’s always got a smile on his face, he's a brilliant guy, a brilliant professional." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images