How many points do Bristol Rovers need for survival? Last 10 seasons analysed - gallery

How many points Bristol Rovers could need ensure League One survival this season

Bristol Rovers are on course to remain in League One in their first season since being promoted from League Two in dramatic circumstances.

The Gas - who hadn't occupied an automatic promotion spot all season - won promotion on the final day of the season last May, getting promoted at the first time of asking. Rovers will be hoping that their end of season clash against Bolton Wanderers, exactly a year on, will not have much riding on it from their perspective.

Joey Barton has said that any transfer plans or contract talks will be put on hold until their position in the third tier is guaranteed, and that's a fair approach to take. Some clubs will take a gamble and assume their position in the league is secure whilst others will wait until the season is over, for players to make a decision.

At the start of the campaign, Barton set a target of 52 points, and they're not too far off of that, but this is a tricky month. In total, Rovers will play seven fixtures, including a double-header over the Easter break, as well as two midweek clashes against Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle.

Before the New Year, there was talks of making an unlikely push for the play-offs, but instead there's a slight worry of possible relegation but there are four worse teams than them in the division. Rovers can not rest on their laurels though and they must do the business in their next few matches.

With Joey Barton's side looking likely to reach their goal after an up-and-down season we have taken a look at what it has taken in previous seasons to finish 20th, which is the last position of survival:

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