Bristol Rovers v Tranmere Rovers: Is it on TV, how to watch, injury and team news

Bristol Rovers look to continue their good form when Tranmere Rovers visit the Memorial Stadium on Saturday
Bristol Rovers are looking to make the Memorial Stadium a fortress under Joey Barton. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Bristol Rovers are looking to make the Memorial Stadium a fortress under Joey Barton. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Bristol Rovers are looking to make the Memorial Stadium a fortress under Joey Barton. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers are back in League Two action against Tranmere Rovers after their heroics in the FA Cup in midweek.

After trailing 3-1 in extra time, having initially taken the lead through Sam Finley, the Gas dramatically won 4-3 with Welsh duo Aaron Collins and Sion Spence on target, with the latter scoring a brace.

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They will play Sutton United as a reward for their comeback, but for now their focus will be on the league.

Originally meant to be played on Friday, the match was rearranged for Saturday, which means both Bristol teams will be playing at home on the same day.

Tranmere arrive to the Memorial Stadium above Rovers by two places but with just a point separating the two.

After the Wirrall-based side’s relegation in 2019/20, the two didn’t play last season, but the last time the two met, Rovers claimed four points from the double-header they had in League One.

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Overall, Bristol Rovers have the better record over Tranmere with 16 wins and seven draws, compared to Tranmere’s 10 victories in the 33 meetings the two sides have had.

Sion Spence could be in line for a start after his midweek showing. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)Sion Spence could be in line for a start after his midweek showing. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Sion Spence could be in line for a start after his midweek showing. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

The Gas remain without a recognised striker with Antony Evans and Sam Nicholson leading the line against Northampton Town in their last league match, as well as on Tuesday.

Aaron Collins, signed from Forest Green Rovers, finally broke his duck as he scored in the win over Oxford and could be pushing for a start.

Another player who could be in contention is Sion Spence, whose brace may force him into the midfield. The Wales Under-21’s is on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace but the Eagles can recall him in January.

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Back-up goalkeeper Jed Ward was not at full fitness earlier this week, which meant Under-18’s goalkeeper Airidas Vilinauskas was amongst those in the warm-ups.

Josh Grant was a surprise substitute on Tuesday but did suffer from cramp on Saturday, expect him to start given his impact last week. Pablo Martinez and Ryan Jones were brought on Tuesday and are likely to be on the substitutes bench.

Jay Spearing won’t be in Tranmere’s match day squad as he serves a suspension. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Jay Spearing won’t be in Tranmere’s match day squad as he serves a suspension. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Jay Spearing won’t be in Tranmere’s match day squad as he serves a suspension. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Tranmere Rovers?

On-loan defender Lee O’Connor returns from international duty with the Republic of Ireland for this one. The 21-year-old played against both Italy and Sweden’s U21s over the last week which meant he missed the 1-0 defeat to Sutton United last Saturday.

Midfielder Josh Hawkes returned to first-team action following an injury and came on as a substitute which is a step up in his recovery and he will now be pushing for a start.

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Former Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing is absent however as he picked up his fifth booking of the season which will see him miss out through suspension.

There aren’t many goals in the Tranmere ranks and that is evident with defender Peter Clarke being their top scorer on three goals.

Elliot Nevitt is the only recognised striker to find the net this season and he has just one goal. Kieron Morris is their top assists maker and he has two goals and two assists this season.

Is the match on TV?

A firm no. Unlike last week where fans could watch on iFollow on a Saturday, the international period is now over so normal rules apply. You’ll either have to attend the match or follow radio commentary on BBC Bristol.

How can I watch highlights?

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Tune in to the EFL on Quest at 9.00 pm if you want to catch highlights of Rovers’ match. You may have to wait though as they show the Championship, League One and then lastly League Two. You may be able to catch a glimpse of the goals on Sky Sports News, though there is no guarantee of when they might be shown.

If you can wait a bit longer, a highlights package will be uploaded to Rovers’ YouTube channel at midnight.

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