Bristol Rovers v Port Vale: how to watch, injury & team news

Much-loved manager Darrell Clarke returns to the Memorial Stadium this evening in the opposition dugout.
Paul Coutts has become an important player for Bristol Rovers and should start today. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Paul Coutts has become an important player for Bristol Rovers and should start today. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Paul Coutts has become an important player for Bristol Rovers and should start today. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers are back in League Two action against Port Vale this evening after victory in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Gas came from behind to defeat Sutton United 2-1 with Aaron Collins and Nick Anderton scoring in the second round win.

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Opponents Port Vale were also victorious and defeated League One outfit Burton Albion with Dennis Politic scoring a brace.

As a reward for their wins, Rovers have been given an away trip to Peterborough whilst the Valiants will host Premier League side Brentford.

Reverting the attention back to tonight’s fixture, former manager Darrell Clarke makes his return to the Memorial Stadium, three years after his departure.

Clarke was at the club for five years, first as an assistant manager and then the main job. He led them from the National League to League One, winning two successive promotions, before resigning.

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His current side are fifth in League Two, occupying one of the play-off spots, winning nine matches, whilst losing and drawing five matches.

The 43-year-old has been manager of the Month for both September and November, but his team last month picked up four points from a possible 12.

Rovers wing-back Josh Grant is on the sidelines for a second time this season. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)Rovers wing-back Josh Grant is on the sidelines for a second time this season. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Rovers wing-back Josh Grant is on the sidelines for a second time this season. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

James Belshaw has been the first-choice goalkeeper for Rovers so it should be expected that he’ll take his place between the sticks.

Josh Grant’s hamstring injury will keep him out for the next month, so it should be expected that Harry Anderson starts in his place.

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Fortunately Trevor Clarke has returned to fitness as has Luca Hoole, so there are more defensive options to call upon now.

We did see on Saturday that Glenn Whelan came into the defence for the start of the match before moving into his usual position in the midfield, so Barton may consider that ploy again.

After scoring against Oxford and now Sutton in the FA Cup, Aaron Collins is now getting his confidence up and he should be expected to play behind Antony Evans and Sam Nicholson.

On-loan Bolton attacker Dennis Politic has given Darrell Clarke food for thought. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)On-loan Bolton attacker Dennis Politic has given Darrell Clarke food for thought. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
On-loan Bolton attacker Dennis Politic has given Darrell Clarke food for thought. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Port Vale?

For Port Vale, Dennis Politic was the match-winner on Saturday but he has been used to coming on as a substitute. The on-loan Bolton Wanderers man will hope that he’s done enough to persuade Clarke to give him a place in the starting line up following a brace in a 16-minute cameo.

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Meanwhile Lucas Covolan should don the goalkeeper gloves this evening after Aidan Stone had deputised for their two cup matches.

Jamie Proctor has scored six times this season but is unavailable after undergoing surgery on a stomach injury.

Vale are short of options up front with injuries to both George Lloyd and James Wilson, so Devante Rodney could start.

Former Liverpool academy midfielder David Amoo and Tom Conlon both have four assists, so Rovers’ experienced midfield of Sam Finley, Paul Coutts and Whelan will have to be on their game to nullify their threat.

Head-to-head

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As both sides were in different divisions last year, neither side have played each other competitively since January 2019 with Rovers winning 3-0 in the EFL Trophy, courtesy of goals from Ollie Clarke, Tom Nichols and Alex Rodman.

The last league meeting was in the third tier back in February 2017 with Billy Bodin rescuing a point in a 1-1 draw after Bob Harris had scored an own goal.

Is the match on TV?

It’s not been chosen for coverage by Sky Sports, instead Portsmouth versus Sheffield Wednesday is on television.

As this is a midweek fixture however, you’ll be able to watch the match on iFollow if you’re unable to attend tonight’s match.

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iFollow Match Passes are available for £9.99 and usually use the commentary from BBC Radio Bristol.

How can I watch highlights?

Missing the match? Highlights will become available on iFollow if you are a subscriber to that service. They will also be uploaded to the YouTube channels of both Bristol Rovers and Port Vale.

There is no EFL on Quest show scheduled for this evening, so keep an eye out on Sky Sports News.

We’ll also be summarising the game here over on BristolWorld, if you want to read our take on the game.

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