Bristol Rovers v Hartlepool United: TV details, how to watch, team news & form guide

Bristol Rovers make a long anticipated return to League Two action as they host Hartlepool United at the Memorial Stadium.

The Gas haven’t played a league fixture since December 11 after four consecutive postponements due to squad availability as a result of positive COVID cases and suspensions.

Now the situation has cleared up, Joey Barton’s side are ready for the challenge of the Pools, managed by Graeme Lee.

Whilst Rovers couldn’t defeat Peterborough in the FA Cup, tomorrow’s visitors claimed a scalp against Blackpool, so the team will be high on confidence.

The two sides are only separated by two points with Hartlepool ahead in 16th but Barton's side do have two games in hand with a busy period coming up after a number of rearrangements.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

January recruit Ryan Loft is expected to make his debut by leading the line either on his own or with a strike partner with top scorer Aaron Collins hopeful of a start after his positive form before the break.

The game will come too soon for him but Leon Clarke is making big strides as he nears a return after recovering from a serious hamstring injury he sustained in just his second match, which could have sparked the end of his career.

Whilst things are looking rosier there has been one set back, Harvey Saunders has injured his hand and will be closely monitored. The 24-year-old, who turned out for Saturday’s opponents last season, hasn’t played since October.

A league debut could also come for James Connolly, who was thrown into his first competitive match on the same day as signing.

Harry Anderson, Aaron Collins, Glenn Whelan and Connor Taylor all missed the game against Peterborough but could be welcomed back in to the side. Taylor had been injured in the game against Rochdale but looks to have recovered in enough time to make his return.

What’s the latest team news for Hartlepool United?

Ahead of the match, Hartlepool have made two new signings and they could make their debut.

Jake Hull has joined on loan from Rotherham United whilst Marcus Harver was signed on a permanent deal from Southport.

Mark Cullen is a player that Rovers will have to be wary of as he is Hartlepool’s top scorer with four goals in 13 games. Two of their defenders Reagan Ogle and Sterry both have two assists so it’s a sign of how Hartlepool play.

Head-to-head

Back in September, Hartlepool beat Bristol Rovers at Victoria Park with Jamie Sterry scoring the only goal of the game.

Before then the last meeting came in 2014/15 where Rovers did a League Two double over them, winning 3-0 and 4-1.

Matches have been evenly poised and in the 24 meetings between Rovers and Hartlepool, there have been nine wins for the Pirates, seven draws and then eight defeats.

Hartlepool are winless in their last five away matches in the league and haven’t won since October, so that could be a stat that goes in their favour.

Is the match on TV?

No, the match is scheduled for a 15.00 kick-off which is during England’s blackout hours for broadcast.

To make up for it though, BristolWorld’s Jordan Jones will be at the game to bring you all the action.

We’ll be appearing on Twitter Spaces with Charlie Hayne who runs the successful YouTube Channel ‘One Rovers Vlogs’, so make sure to tune in at 14.00.

How can I watch highlights?

It’s back to tuning in to EFL on Quest this weekend, which can be found on Freeview, BT and Sky.

League Two highlights usually come around after 22.00 after both the Championship and League One games have been cleared.

If you can’t wait, you may be able to catch the goals on Sky Sports News after 17.00.

A condensed highlights package will also appear on the YouTube channels of the respective clubs.