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

Bristol Rovers’ take a break from league action this weekend as they face Oxford United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Gas are on the road as they travel to an old foe at the Kassam Stadium, hoping to cause an upset.

Relegated from League One last season, Rovers come into the match as the underdogs, given both sides start to the season.

Oxford are in the play-offs in the third tier, whilst Rovers are languishing in 16th in the division below after a slow start to their campaign.

The Cup is a welcome distraction as it can be a catalyst for a winning run, which Joey Barton will be hopeful of after beating Harrogate Town last Saturday. Oxford were also victorious on Saturday as they beat Morecambe 3-1 at home.

Karl Robinson’s side did a league double over Rovers in their league meetings in the 2020/21 season, winning 2-0 on both occasions.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Barton will be able to name nine substitutes and make five during the game, so we could see a few development players thrown into the mix.

He won’t be able to call on Brett Pitman however as he felt pain in his groin, which will keep him out for a couple of weeks at a minimum.

Defender Junior Brown, signed from Scunthorpe United in the summer, was also injured in Saturday’s win and he will be out for about 10 weeks, which means he won’t return until the New Year.

Long-term absentees include Leon Clarke, who tore his hamstring in September, forcing him to have surgery, where he now only just began rehab.

Captain Josh Grant has made a return to training and could be in contention but Trevor Clarke has picked up an injury, fortunately he should return by the time his suspension ends.

Academy product Jarmani Langlais has come on in the EFL Trophy and Carabao Cup this season and will want to be involved after being named on the bench last week.

What’s the latest team news for Oxford United?

The familiar name on Oxford’s team sheet will be Matty Taylor, who will line up against the club who he played for two-and-a-half seasons.

Taylor has five goals in his last seven matches, propelling his team into the top six and will want to net against his former team.

Goalkeeper Jack Stevens was taken ill a fortnight ago and was diagnosed with glandular fever. His return hasn’t been rushed and instead Simon Eastwood has stood between the sticks for the last three matches which he should do again on Sunday. Midfielder Cameron Brannagan is back in training having missed their last match against Morecambe through illness.

James Henry is one player to watch out for as he is Oxford’s joint-top scorer along with Taylor with six goals, as well as the two assists he has earned.

Defender Steve Seddon, signed after his release from Birmingham City, is their top assists maker, as he has created three goals from his position of left-back.

Is the match on TV?

Neither BBC or ITV have chosen to air this match, meaning it won’t be available to watch on Sunday.

Most matches are to be played tomorrow at 15:00 pm which means Rovers will miss out on appearing on BBC’s Final Score, BT Score and Sky Sports’ Soccer Special.

How can I watch highlights?

You won’t have long to wait for highlights as at 19:15 on the same day, you can tune in to BBC Two for the FA Cup highlights programme, which covers two games of action.

The highlights will also appear on the BBC Football website.