Sutton United v Bristol Rovers: TV details, how to watch, team news and form guide

Bristol Rovers will play a competitive match for the first time at the VBS Community Stadium. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bristol Rovers make their first visit to Gander Green Lane Stadium as they face new boys Sutton United in the Sky Bet League Two this Saturday.

Matt Gray’s side are exceeding expectations this season and are currently fourth in their first season at this level.

They are nine points clear of Rovers at the moment though they have played two games more this season.

Joey Barton’s side are currently the in-form team in the league at the moment having picked up 13 points from an available 15 in their last five league matches.

Rovers won 1-0 against Walsall with Aaron Collins scoring the winner whilst Sutton were victorious against Carlisle with Isaac Olaofe and David Aijboye on target.

A win for Barton’s men could move them closer to the play-off spots whilst Sutton are only behind Newport on goal difference for an automatic promotion spot.

Anssi Jaakola is set to replace James Belshaw in goals this weekend. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Earlier this week, Jon Nolan was signed after his release from Ipswich Town. The 29-year-old hasn’t played a match since January 2021 so don’t expect him to make his debut this weekend.

Elliot Anderson though, a deadline day loan signing from Newcastle United could be in line for his first senior start.

There is an enforced change between the sticks this weekend with Ansssi Jaakkola set to replace the injured James Belshaw.

Both Leon Clarke and Ryan Loft could be named amongst the substitutes after missing last week’s win but Sam Finley remains doubtful.

Luca Hoole is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession against Walsall.

Bristol Rovers will have to deal with Sutton United’s top scorer David Aijboye. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What’s the latest team news for Sutton United?

David Ajiboye, a midfielder by trade is one U’s player to keep an eye on as he is their top scorer with seven goals and three assists this season. He is tied with on-loan Millwall striker Isaac Olaofe who has also struck seven times this season though he has played more than 1000 minutes fewer than Aijboye. Both Olaofe and Aijboye were on target in their last match.

Experienced midfielder Robert Milsom could also be a handful as he has found the net five times this season as well as getting four assists.

Head-to-head

This is the first meeting between the two sides in the Football League after Sutton’s rise through the English pyramid system.

Last season they won promotion to the fourth tier of English football after winning the league.

In the one and only competitive meeting between these two, Rovers came out on top in the FA Cup.

Rovers had fallen behind to a goal from Will Randall but Aaron Collins responded and then Nick Anderton scored to send the home side through to the next round of the FA Cup.

These two sides will do battle again in the next fortnight with Sutton due to play on Tuesday, February 15.

Can I watch the match?

No. This game is being played at 15.00 GMT on a Saturday and is not being played during an international break so it isn’t available on iFollow.

You can buy an Audio Pass though from Bristol Rovers to listen to the match. No fans will be able to make a late trip there either as the away allocation has been sold out.

How can I watch highlights?

Tune in to QUEST just after 22.00 and you’ll be able to catch the League Two highlights. If you can’t wait then look on Sky Sports News as they’ll show snippets from Saturday’s games.

Alternatively, you can go onto either Bristol Rovers or Sutton United’s YouTube channels just after midnight to catch a condensed highlights package.