Bristol Rovers v Walsall: TV details, how to watch, team news and form guide

Bristol Rovers are back at home this weekend as they take on Walsall at The Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon in League Two action at 15.00 (GMT).

Three places separate the two sides ahead of the fixture with Rovers four points clear of Walsall and having played two games fewer than them as well. If Rovers are to pick up all three points it can see them move above Harrogate Town and level on points with Bradford and Port Vale if results go in their favour.

Both sides were in midweek action, the Gas claimed a 3-2 win over Scunthorpe United, they had been three goals up and cruising but the Irons scored two quick-fire goals. Walsall were defeated by Bradford City in the week at their Bescot Stadium.

Rovers boss Joey Barton and Saddlers boss Matty Taylor shared a promotion to the Premier League during their days at Burnley but will now go head-to-head in the dug out.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Harvey Saunders could be seen back amongst the side soon with him being seen going through the warm-ups on Tuesday night as he travelled to Scunthorpe with the team after recovering from an ankle injury that has seen him out for three months prior.

Glenn Whelan could also return to the match day squad after missing the last two games through a family bereavement.

Ryan Loft was left out of the side on Tuesday night due to a head injury that he had suffered in the game on Saturday against Swindon Town. However, it is looking likely that he will be available for the game this Saturday with it being only a few stitches needed.

Full-back Trevor Clarke though has been ruled out for the next four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his groin in what has been a frustrating start to life for the wing-back.

What is the latest team news for Walsall?

Ahead of the fixture on Saturday Saddlers Head Coach Matt Taylor has said that midfielder Rory Holden will now miss the remainder of the season due to him suffering a further setback from the knee injury that he had suffered back in December 2020 after making a brief return at the back end of last season.

Walsall have also made a new signing of defender Donervon Daniels who had joined the club on Monday on a permanent basis until the end of the season after spending the previous 18 months at League One side Crewe Alexandra having made 31 appearances during his time there. Daniels was thrown straight into the side that faced Bradford in a 2-1 loss on Tuesday night.

George Miller is Walsall’s top scorer with him netting eight times in 21 games while on loan at the club so far this season. Brendan Kiernan is their top assists maker with him picking up four assists so far this campaign in 23 games.

This fixture could also see the return of former Rovers defender Rollin Menayese who will be returning from his one game ban following him being sent off at Exeter City last Saturday.

Meanwhile they have recently made another addition to their squad, signing Reece Divine from Manchester United on loan. They have however seen Kieran Phillips return to Huddersfield Town.

Head-to-head

The two sides have already met once this season at The Banks’s Stadium back in late September with Rovers providing the late late show with goals from loanees Connor Taylor and Sion Spence to complete the comeback for the Gas in a 2-1 win.

There have been 107 meetings between the two sides with it being relatively close between them with Rovers having won 43 of the meetings to Walsall’s 39 with 23 draws along the way. The first meeting between the two clubs was all the way back in August 1927 with Rovers coming out on top in a 5-2 home win in Division Three (South) at the time.

Walsall are winless in their last five games and are haven’t won in their last three away matches. This could play into the hands of Rovers with them currently in good form having not lost in their last four league games and only losing once in their last five home games.

Can I watch the match?

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

How can I watch highlights?

Quest TV will be making an edition of EFL on Quest for this weekend’s fixtures and you will be able to watch the highlights if you tune into Quest just after 21:00.

The goals will then also be available after midnight where they can be found on both clubs YouTube channels.