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.
5. LB: Lewis Gordon
The Scott is enjoying his most consistent run of games at the minute. There is a possibility that Harvey Vale may play in the left-back position, but it is more likely that Gordon will keep his position in the team. | NurPhoto via Getty Images
6. DM: Kamil Conteh
The former Grimsby Town man was given a rest in the Shrewsbury draw, but his manager has confirmed that he is recharged ahead of Saturday's match. Mo doubt the Sierra Leonne international will start on Saturday. | Getty
7. DM: Grant Ward
Ward is another player that has struggled with injuries all season. The midfielder made a substitute appearance against the Shrews on Monday and Gasheads will be excited by the prospect of the former Spurs player playing alongside Conteh in the middle of the park. | Getty Images
8. AM: Luke Thomas
The former Barnsley player has been one of Rovers' better performers this campaign and in a wide range of positions. The forward returned from injury via the bench on Easter Monday and could well start for the Gas against Bolton on the weekend. | Getty