Bristol Rovers v Sutton United: TV details, how to watch, injury news & betting odds

The Gas may have on eye on promotion from League Two but a potential FA Cup run is a welcome distraction
Bristol Rovers have a chance of progressing to the next round of the FA Cup. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Bristol Rovers have a chance of progressing to the next round of the FA Cup. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Bristol Rovers have a chance of progressing to the next round of the FA Cup. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers take on Sutton United at the Memorial Stadium as they look to progress to the third round of the FA Cup.

The Gas suffered defeat in their last match, losing 2-0 to League Two leaders Forest Green Rovers.

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First-team duties this week have been given to the likes of Andy Mangan and Kevin Bond with Joey Barton in court.

Rovers reached this stage of the competition after a dramatic 4-3 replay win over Oxford United after a 2-2 draw in the first match.

They trailed 3-1 in the 93rd minute but a brace from Sion Spence and a first goal for Aaron Collins put them on their way.

Opponents Sutton meanwhile navigated their way past non-league outfit Hayes & Yeading United.

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Sutton are the division’s surprise package as they occupy a play-off spot after a season of safety last season following their first campaign in the Football League.

This is the first of three meetings in the coming months with the same fixture taking place on Boxing Day before Rovers travel to London in early February.

Sutton have played 19 games this season, they’ve won 10, drawn two and lost seven, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 22, their statistics have them as steady eddies in the division.

In 2017, Sutton who were non-league at the time reached round five of the FA Cup, overcoming Leeds United, before narrowly losing to Arsenal on their then 3G surface.

When is the game?

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It’s a traditional three o’clock for Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

The Gas will have to do without Josh Grant for the next few weeks. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)The Gas will have to do without Josh Grant for the next few weeks. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The Gas will have to do without Josh Grant for the next few weeks. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

It’s more bad news as today it was confirmed that Josh Grant will be out for the next four to six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury. Grant, who has been influential this past month, injured himself against Forest Green last week.

Sam Nicholson, who has five goals in 15 appearances, was absent in last week’s defeat but is once again available for selection in this match.

Brett Pitman came in for Nicholson last week whilst Harry Anderson replaced Aaron Collins.

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Given it’s the FA Cup, we may see a bit of rotation, so expect perhaps Sion Spence to come in.

Sutton United have a talented player in David Ajiboye. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Sutton United have a talented player in David Ajiboye. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Sutton United have a talented player in David Ajiboye. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Sutton United?

Sutton were in EFL Trophy action earlier this week and overcame Stevenage on penalties, with manager Matt Gray ringing the chances. 

We should expect Robert Milsom and Omar Bugiel to return to the starting line up.

Louis John, defender for Sutton picked up a knock so will be assessed, as will midfielder Ben Wyatt, who was forced off after a collision in the air with an opponent.

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Secondary goalkeeper Brad House started the match but was injured in the second-half and replaced by Dean Bouzanis, so it is likely that a strong team will be named.

The player in which Rovers will need to contain is David Ajiboye and Isaac Olaofe, who are both tied this season with four goals between them, the former has two assists this season too in his role as both a winger and as a striker.

Milsom has created the most goals for the opposition this season, assisting four times, whilst he has also scored twice.

Is the match on TV?

This match was not chosen for television coverage by either BBC or ITV. In previous years, the BBC would sometimes show the goals as they go in on Final Score but this won’t be the case on Saturday.

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As this game is under the Football Association banner, you can’t watch it on iFollow either.

How can I watch highlights?

You’ve got a bit of a wait if you want to watch a specific FA Cup programme, given the BBC’s Second-Round highlights won’t air until 23.45 GMT on Sunday evening after Match of the Day 2.

Keep an eye on the BBC Football website as a three to four minutes highlights package will become available.

Score prediction

Bristol Rovers held their own against a side in a higher division so why can’t they do the same against the team in their own division?

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There have been improvements in the team but with injuries to key players, I predict a 1-1 draw with a replay to come.

Betting Odds

Bristol Rovers - 31/20

Draw - 5/2

Sutton United - 15/8

Odds sourced from Oddschecker and correct at the time of publication.

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