Is Peterborough United v Bristol Rovers on or off? Can I watch it on TV? Injury & team news

After more than a month without an away match, Rovers are on the road and are on a quest for an FA Cup upset
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Bristol Rovers hope to make an FA Cup upset tomorrow when they travel to London Road to face Peterborough.

Two divisions separate the two sides in this third round tie when back in May, both clubs were playing in League One.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Peterborough were promoted to the Championship however whilst Rovers suffered relegation to League Two.

This is the first away match they’ve travelled for since the 2-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers at the end of November. Their last three matches were all played at home whilst away games against Crawley, Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe United were all postponed.

Academy youngster Luca Hoole could be fancied in a makeshift defence tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)Academy youngster Luca Hoole could be fancied in a makeshift defence tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Academy youngster Luca Hoole could be fancied in a makeshift defence tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

In his pre-match press conference, Joey Barton revealed that some of his players are still recovering from Covid but didn’t disclose their names due to confidentiality so news will only be known closer to kick off.

Alfie Kilgour and Connor Taylor sustained injuries before the New Year but are back out on the grass, but there are some issues in defence with players out either through injury or suspension.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is an issue at right-back for Rovers with stand-in Josh Grant still injured, a solution to that problem could be Luca Hoole who started in the win against Rochdale. A start tomorrow could give him the opportunity to play in a run of matches to showcase if he can consistently play.

Cian Harries and Sam Finley are still suspended for this match after both being sent off against Port Vale.

Former Gas players Oliver Norburn and Jonson Clarke-Harris could feature tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Former Gas players Oliver Norburn and Jonson Clarke-Harris could feature tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Former Gas players Oliver Norburn and Jonson Clarke-Harris could feature tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

What’s the latest team news for Peterborough?

Peterborough United journalist Alan Swann believes that new signing Bali Mumba could be included in the starting 11 tomorrow with not too many changes made given the desire for first-team minutes for a team which hasn’t had a good run of games.

A strong team is expected to be fielded with captain Oliver Norburn, who used to play for Rovers tipped to lead the side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Forward Jack Marriott, who suffered an injury in September is sidelined until late February so will miss out.

One player of interest for this match is Jonson Clarke-Harris who had a prolific spell over two seasons at Rovers.

Signed in January 2019, the forward scored 27 goals in just under 50 appearances for the Gas but left for Peterborough last summer.

Is the game on? Could it be postponed?

Both clubs in recent weeks have suffered a number of postponements, either due to positive cases in their own squads or other clubs having to postpone games.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Even though there is almost a month until the next round, the FA want to see these fixtures played on their scheduled date, so their rules are a bit more stricter, making it increasingly unlikely that this game will be called off.

Some clubs have been able to get games off if they are unable to field a squad of 14 with a recognised goalkeeper, but this does not apply to the FA Cup. Clubs will be expected to field a team even if it is made up of youth players, as was seen last season when Aston Villa played their Under-18’s against Liverpool.

In his pre-match press conference, manager Joey Barton said the game is likely to go ahead despite some of his players still recovering from COVID-19.

“Barring something crazy happening, which you’ve obviously got to account for at the moment, the game should go ahead and we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s been a long time since that 4-2 victory over Rochdale. It was last year and it feels a lot longer than our last game away.”

Rules are slightly different in the FA Cup with games now decided on the day of the game rather than a replay, so at least their fate will be known quickly.

Head-to-head

Tomorrow’s opponents have only reached the fourth round twice in the last 17 years so there is some optimism for fans hoping to see a cup shock.

There is also the added factor that Peterborough in the three meetings they’ve had with Rovers in the FA Cup have never won, so history will need to be made tomorrow.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The last match in this competition between these two came in November 1969 when Rovers won 3-1 whilst there were also victories in 1952 and 1938.

Is the match on TV?

Tomorrow’s match is being played with spectators and is scheduled for a 15.00 GMT kick-off, so the game is not available for domestic audiences.

How can I watch highlights?

Tune in at BBC One at 22:30 GMT to watch the BBC’s Match of Day FA Cup special which will have all the goals and highlights from the ties played on Friday and Saturday.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.