Tranmere Rovers v Bristol Rovers: Is it on TV? Team news, head-to-head record and more

Bristol Rovers are away on the Wirral as they travel to Prenton Park this afternoon to face promotion rivals Tranmere Rovers.

Micky Mellon’s side drew 2-2 in their last match which was against a resurgent Carlisle United and were reduced to nine men.

Rovers meanwhile came from a goal down to beat Mark Hughes’ Bradford City, as they kept themselves in a good position in the play-off mix.

The Gas are currently fifth in the table, two places above Tranmere, with two points separating them.

A positive result today could move them above Northampton in fourth, but results would also have to go in their favour. Given the nature of the division, should Tranmere win then they would overtake them and there is a possibility that Rovers could drop out of the top seven, with Newport County breathing down their neck.

When does the match start?

It’s a traditional English kick-off time of 15.00 GMT at Prenton Park.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

There is a welcome return to the side for Josh Grant, who has been out of action with a knee injury since sustaining it against Sutton United back in February.

Grant, who’s natural position is central midfielder, but can also play in defence, has taken part in a full week of training and is available for selection.

Joey Barton is also hopeful that he can call upon Antony Evans and Nick Anderton, but didn’t extend any further in his pre-match presser.

What’s the latest team news for Tranmere Rovers?

Tranmere will be without Calum MacDonald and Kieron Morris after the pair were sent off against Carlisle. The club did appeal against their decisions but MacDonald’s was upheld whilst for Morris, an extra game was added meaning they’ll miss the last three and four fixtures of the season.

Forward Paul Glatzel is likely to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury, which will come as a blow given his six goals and five assists.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing and experienced forward Nicky Maynard are in contention after making their returns from injury last weekend.

Elliot Nevitt, who last season was playing for Warrington Rylands in the non-league, is Tranmere’s top scorer with six goals in 34 appearances this season. Kane Hemmings has five assists as well as five goals, so he could be an issue to deal with.

Form guide and head-to-head

The form is in Rovers’ favour as Tranmere have only won one of their last five matches against Rovers.

Tranmere have kept the most clean sheets this season with 18 recorded, but there have been only four times this season that Rovers haven’t scored in the 20 away matches so something will have to give.

This will be the 35th meeting between the two sides with Rovers holding a slight advantage. Rovers have had 16 wins to Tranmere's 10, whilst there was also eight draws.

Referee

Marc Edwards has been appointed as the referee and he will be assisted by Peter Gooch and Adam Clayton with Joe Clarke installed as the fourth official.

From the Tyne-and-Wear, Edwards has refereed 26 games this season but this will be his first Bristol Rovers game of the season. He has shown 80 yellow cards and has only brandished two red cards.

How to watch the match

There is no live stream for this match as it is being played during the television blackout hours.

You can watch the highlights on the EFL on Quest which airs on Quest TV and Discovery+ at 21.00 GMT.

Highlights will also be made available on each club’s YouTube channel as well.