Bristol Rovers must wait to find out their EFL Trophy quarter-final opponents

Bristol Rovers will face either Plymouth Argyle or AFC Wimbledon in the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy. Rovers booked their place with a 4-1 win over MK Dons, watched by a record low crowd of 864, but will have to wait a week to find out their opponent.

The Gas could face the Pilgrims for the third time this season, having played them in the group stage, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw, before a 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle in League One. Plymouth topped their group after winning two matches and drawing one.

A tie against Wimbledon would be interesting for Luke McCormick, who left Plough Lane in the summer. He was much sought after by Rovers who wanted to reunite with him after a successful loan spell but the Dons played hard ball and froze him out. The former Chelsea midfielder was made to train away from the first-team and has been playing catch-up with his Rovers teammates.

The draw was conducted by former Leyton Orient manager Kenny Jackett. Jackett won the competition with Portsmouth and Swansea City, in a 16-year span.

When will the tie be played?

The ties are due to take place on the weekend commencing of Monday, January 9, 2023. Rovers will play Cambridge United on Saturday, January 7, and have an away trip to Accrington Stanley to look forward to a week later.

And after that?

If Rovers can get to the semi-finals, which is what they did in 2018/19, losing to Sunderland - they will play on Wednesday, February 1, and then the final will be at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 19.

EFL Trophy quarter-final ties in full:

Bolton Wanderers v Portsmouth

Bristol Rovers v AFC Wimbledon/Plymouth Argyle

Cheltenham Town vs Salford City/Port Vale

Lincoln City v Accrington Stanley