Is Bristol Rovers v Mansfield Town on TV? How to watch, team news and form guide

Bristol Rovers are back amongst their supporters as they face Mansfield Town at the Memorial Stadium in the Sky Bet League Two on Saturday.

The Gas are looking to put behind their 2-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic this week but they face a side high on confidence in Mansfield.

Mansfield defeated Colchester United 2-1 on Tuesday and occupy one of the play-off spots that Rovers are hoping to get.

A total of 11 points separate the two sides though Rovers do have a game in hand over their opponents.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Leon Clarke is pushing hard for a place in the team after returning to training this week after a slight muscle injury. Fellow forward Ryan Loft isn’t expected to return but could play on Tuesday.

James Belshaw is back in contention after missing the past two games with a knee injury sustained against Walsall. The former Harrogate goalkeeper has been the regular choice this season but he now faces a challenge with Anssi Jaakkola.

There is good news on the Josh Grant front with the wing-back training well this week after missing Tuesday’s match, he has received an injection that should make him available.

Fellow defender Connor Taylor was also absent but he was originally due to start against Oldham before being pulled out over an irregular heart rhythm. The Stoke City defender has since responded positively and will be available for selection.

Influential midfielder Antony Evans was withdrawn early on Tuesday as a precaution over a hamstring injury. He underwent a scan yesterday and the extent of his injury will be revealed on whether he is included in the team on Saturday.

Junior Brown and Trevor Clarke remain as long-term absentees with the pair not expected to be involved for another few weeks.

What’s the latest team news for Mansfield Town?

Attacking right-back Stephen McLaughlin is expected to make the trip to the Mem on Saturday, despite suffering a head injury which saw Mansfield make a fourth substitution. He was taken off as a precaution so he didn’t need to abide by any concussion protocols.

Bristol Rovers academy graduate Ollie Clarke didn't start for Mansfield on Tuesday as Clough believed he and Jordan Bowery dipped physically against Harrogate but they should be part of the travelling squad.

Defender Kellen Gordon is a long-term absentee and isn't in consideration whilst George Lapslie remains out for another fortnight though the plethora of options in midfield means they are well covered in that area. Matty Longstaff has yet to make his debut for his new club but was a substitute on Tuesday, meaning he could play against his fellow Magpies teammate Elliot Anderson.

Form guide and head-to-head

The Stags are one of the in-form teams across the top four divisions of English football, having picked up 28 points from a possible 30.

Rovers themselves were on a good run of form having been on a six-game unbeaten run but that was ended by Oldham. They’ll hope to get back on the saddle by ensuring that as a blip though a result against one of the high-flyers may be hard to come by.

When it comes to these two sides facing up against one another, Rovers have the upper hand with 22 wins to Mansfield's 17 whilst there has also been 13 draws. In the last ten meetings between the two, Rovers have won five times, whilst drawing on three occasions and losing twice with the latest coming on the opening day of the season.

Can I watch the match?

No. This game will only be available for those outside of the United Kingdom. BristolWorld will be at this match though with football reporter Jordan Jones providing live updates on his social media feed.

How can I watch highlights?

Tune in to the EFL on Quest at 21:00 GMT either on Quest TV or on Discovery+ for action across all three divisions.

Alternatively, wait after midnight and the highlights will appear on the YouTube channels of both Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town.