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.
9. AM: Brandon Aguilera
The loanee has missed a large chunk of games since his arrival to BS7 due to a hamstring injury. However, the Costa Rican looks to have gotten over that issue and I would expect Taylor to utilise his quality in a more forward position this weekend. | Getty Images
10. AM: Antony Evans
Harvey Vale or Scott Sinclair could well play this game, but I don't think either of them will be picked over Evans, who has been one of, if not the best player for the Gas this season. Photo: Dan Mullan
11. ST: Chris Martin
The goals have dried up for Martin as of late, however the veteran has 15 to his name in the league this season. I can't imagine John Marquis will get a look in ahead of him this weekend. | Getty