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.
13. Grant Ward - out
The former Seasiders midfielder has suffered a hamstring injury and will not be available. He suffered the issue against Norwich City earlier this month and has missed the last few games. Denied a match against his former club. | Getty Images
14. Grant Ward - out (continued)
Matt Taylor said on January 18: “We have to be so mindful that his rehab is important, his training time and game time when he comes back is where it needs to be but we've probably saved ourselves four weeks by not having surgery. “That wasn't a factor in making that choice, it was down to the surgeon to say whether or not that injury needed operating on.” "So we're looking at eight weeks from 12 days ago when he got the injury at Norwich so probably six and a half weeks from now." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images