Can I watch Bristol Rovers v Exeter City? Kick-off time, form guide, stream details and team news

Bristol Rovers hope to continue their ascension up the League Two table but they face tricky opposition when Exeter City arrive at the Memorial Stadium.

Both teams were in midweek action with Rovers claiming a 2-0 win against Leyton Orient in the capital with Antony Evans and Aaron Collins on target in the first-half.

The Grecians meanwhile were involved in a seven-goal thriller with Harrogate Town, coming out 4-3 victors having been 3-1 down in the 63rd minute.

A total of five places separate the two sides as well as six points but fourth-placed Exeter do possess a game in hand over Rovers who are ninth in the table. A win for Rovers coupled with a positive list of results could lift them into the play-offs whilst Exeter could move into the automatics with a win.

When does the match start?

The match will take place at the usual kick-off time on a Saturday at 15.00 GMT.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

In his pre-match press conference, Joey Barton said there were a few knocks and niggles that they suffered in the win over Orient, one of those was Elliot Anderson who got caught in the calf and ankle area.

Late withdrawal Nick Anderton was pulled out of the side at the last minute due to illness but has got better over the week.

Rovers won’t be able to call upon Alfie Kilgour though he is making positive steps as he pushes close for a return, as is Trevor Clarke who has resumed training.

February signing Jon Nolan has fully trained with the team and is now pushing hard to be part of the match day squad.

Rovers will be without Josh Grant, who is still recovering from an injury against Sutton United.

What’s the latest team news for Exeter City?

Exeter are to be without on-loan striker Padraig Amond for the next fortnight after he underwent an operation. He joins Harry Kite and Offrande Zanala on the inactive list of players, with the players suffering from groin and knee injuries.

Exeter though will be buoyed by the fact that on-loan Huddersfield Town striker Kieran Phillips and Sam Stubbs are both available to play against Rovers.

Exeter City have mainly played in a 3-4-1-2 formation this season with central attacking midfield player Matt Jay their top scorer with ten goals whilst forward Jevani Brown has eight assists.

Form guide and head-to-head

The most recent meeting between these two sides came in the EFL Trophy in which Exeter won 5-3 in which the Devonshire based side found themselves 5-0 up at the break. It was a much rotated side and only Aaron Collins, Nick Anderton and Luca Hoole could be deemed first-team players from that match.

There have been 93 meetings between these two teams and it is evenly poised with there being 31 wins apiece as well as 31 draws.

Exeter scored four goals inside 24 minutes to take an unassailable lead and Rovers could only respond once through Sam Finley in the 70th minute.

Rovers don’t possess the best record against them at the moment though having lost their last three matches, with two coming in the EFL Trophy and the other being the reverse meeting in the league this season. The hosts have only won one of their last five matches against Exeter and they’ve also failed to keep a clean sheet against them in their last seven meetings.

Matt Taylor’s side are on a good run of form and have won their six out of their last seven matches including an impressive five clean sheets.

Referee

The referee for the match tomorrow will be Peter Wright and he will be assisted by Michael Webb and Declan O’Shea with the fourth official being Ravel Cheosiaua.

He has refereed one Bristol Rovers game this season and that was the 1-0 win over Harrogate back in October. Wright brandished six yellow cards with four of those going to Rovers players.

Can I watch the match?

The only way you can watch this match if you’re based in the United Kingdom is to attend it and even then, that opportunity is closely being taken away. Already two stands have been sold out so fans are advised to buy tickets before the day of the game.

Exeter themselves have already sold out their 1,200 allocation in what promises to be a good atmosphere at the Mem.

BristolWorld will be at this match to bring you all the post-match analysis as well as the reaction from Joey Barton

How can I watch highlights?

Tune in to the EFL on Quest which is available on Quest TV and Discovery+ after 22.00 when the Championship highlights have been shown.

Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled on the Sky Sports website, as highlights will be uploaded there as well as each team’s YouTube channel and social media feeds.