Bristol Rovers welcome Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers to the Memorial Stadium in League One this Saturday.
Matt Taylor’s side come into the match having failed to score in each other their last five games, conceding 10 goals in the process. However, despite their tough run of form, the Gas have kept three clean sheets in their last six matches, which will breed some confidence that the unlikely isn’t impossible.
Rovers held Shrewsbury Town to a goalless draw in BS7 on Monday. Meanwhile, the Trotters thumped Wigan 5-2, as they sit third in the League One table, top off the play-off places, four points of Derby County, who have played an extra game. Former star man Aaron Collins scored a hat-trick against the Latics on Easter Monday, as the Welshman returns to the Mem for the first time since his departure in the January transfer window and Gasheads will be hoping that the forward leaves his shooting boots home this weekend.
Taylor will be hoping that his side’s top-scorer Chris Martin can re-find his prolific goal-scoring form, as the 35-year-old has failed to hit the back of the net for over a month. The Gas currently sit 14th in the table, 12 points above the relegation zone 16 points of the play-off positions.
The Rovers boss rested a key individual n the draw with the Shrews on Monday and is set to to return the line-up, meanwhile the 42-year-old hopes to welcome back an important defender who has been side-lined for the past five weeks.
The Gas beat Bolton 2-1 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium back in December, thanks to first-half goals by John Marquis and Antony Evans and Taylor will believe that his side can do the double over Evatt’s side, which would be the third time the Gas have managed such a feat over an opponent this season.
Below we predicted how Rovers may line-up when the Trotters visit the Mem this weekend.
1. GK: Jed Ward
The youngster has recently signed a new four-year deal with the Gas and will once again start in between the sticks for Taylor's side.
2. RB: Luca Hoole
The full-back was named in the League One team-of-the-week after his solid display against Shrewsbury Town on Monday. Taylor has confirmed that Jack Hunt will be in contention to feature on Saturday. However, I expect Hoole will start the match.
3. CB: Connor Taylor
The former Stoke City defender has been ever-present in the Rovers backline since his return to the side from injury at the start of the month.
4. CB: James Wilson
The veteran played the full 90 minutes in each of his last two appearances. Although, Wilson has struggled with injuries all season, he seems sharper at the minute and is likely to partner Taylor in the heart of the defence. Photo: Tom Dulat