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

Bristol Rovers face their toughest test of the season yet as they travel to Nailsworth to face league leaders Forest Green Rovers.

Joey Barton’s side are on a four-game unbeaten streak but will kick themselves after drawing 1-1 with nine-man Salford City on Tuesday. Forest Green meanwhile won 2-0 at home against Barrow.

Rob Edward’s men have a five-point gap over second-placed Exeter City right now, including a game in hand. As a result, there were 14 points between Forest Green and Bristol Rovers, as well as 13 league places.

For a second time this week, this will be the first time the Gas plays an opponent in the Football League.

The last meeting between the two sides came in 2015 when over two legs, Rover beat Forest Green to reach the Conference play-off final. Matt Taylor scored in a 1-0 win in the last visit to this ground whilst alongside Chris Lines, also scored in the return leg.

Forest Green have already got the better of Bristol City this season, defeating them on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Carabao Cup.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Unfortunately another player joined the likes of Leon Clarke and Trevor Clarke in the treatment room as defender Alfie Kilgour went for surgery. The centre-back limped off against Tranmere Rovers and didn’t play against Salford City as a precaution. After further medical evaluation, he was advised to go for surgery on his knee and after his operation, he is set to miss up the next three months.

Kilgour’s absence forced Rovers to revert to a traditional back four, meaning that his full-backs aren’t as attacking as previously seen. Luca Hoole and Mark Hughes are both on the mend but Saturday will prove too soon for the pair.

One player who will have a point to prove is Aaron Collins and that may see him start on Saturday. The 24-year-old spent two seasons with the Gloucestershire club and last season, scored 10 goals in the league for them. Unfortunately he is yet to score in the league for his new side but did net against Oxford United and has put in improved performances.

In the week, manager Joey Barton has spoken of how on-loan Luke Thomas needs to improve and that he will be unafraid to replace him with a youngster. This could see Ryan Jones take his place amongst the substitutes should Barton remain unimpressed with Thomas.

What’s the latest team news for Forest Green Rovers?

One potential absentee for Bristol Rovers is right-back Kane Wilson, who came off in midweek with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Udoa Godwin-Malife and could take his spot, should Wilson fail a fitness test.

Former amateur boxer Mathew Stevens is a perfect ten and the player to watch out for, given he has already reached double figures for the club this season.

Experienced striker Jamille Matt is not too far behind him either with eight goals, as well as his goal scoring prowess, he has also assisted his teammates on seven occasions.

FGR will be hard to break down given goalkeeper Luke McGee is second for clean sheets in the division, he hasn’t conceded on seven occasions out of the 17 games he’s played

Is the match on TV?

Fans in the United Kingdom will not be able to watch this match on iFollow or on television.

Over 1200 fans have snapped up tickets to watch the game in person and there are no tickets available on the day.

How can I watch highlights?

As always, the one place guaranteed to show highlights is the EFL on Quest, which is on QUEST from 9.00 pm.

You may get lucky by tuning in to Sky Sports News where they may just show the goals, but there is not a guaranteed time slot that you’ll see them.

If you can wait a little later, they will become available on both iFollow and the YouTube channels of both sides.