What channel is Bristol Rovers v Bradford City on? Kick-off time, TV & stream details, latest team news

Bristol Rovers entertain Bradford City at the Memorial Stadium in another crucial match in the League Two running.

Mark Hughes, who before February, had only managed internationally or in the Premier League, comes up against one of his former players in Joey Barton.

Barton was his captain at Queens Park Rangers for six months, before the pair parted ways, but now the two are both in management and hopeful of a result against one another.

Neither side were victorious in their last match, Bradford drew 0-0 with Newport County whilst Rovers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Carlisle United.

Given how close the league table is, a positive or negative result could change their position by a few places. A win could take them as high up to third if Northampton suffered a heavy defeat and Rovers scored more than once.

Promotion rivals Sutton United are not in league action this weekend as they are in the EFL Trophy final, so a win could at least widen the gap over one opponent.

There are Mansfield and Swindon who are breathing down their necks and wins for them could leapfrog Rovers, should they not pick up any points.

When does the match start?

It’s a traditional English kick-off time of 15.00 GMT at a sold out Memorial Stadium.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Joey Barton in his pre-match press conference confirmed that both Antony Evans and Nick Anderton would be out of today’s fixture.

Evans suffered an impact injury against Northampton whilst Anderton injured himself when feeling something after kicking a ball in training.

Whilst today may be too soon for him, Josh Grant is back on the training pitches and is close to a return.

What’s the latest team news for Bradford City?

Abo Eisa and Lee Ganol are stepping up their recovery and could play a part before the season is out but Saturday comes too soon. Experienced forward Tom Elliott picked up an injury against Harrogate but is their only long-term absentee.

Their top scorer this season is Andy Cook who has got 11 goals in 33 appearances. In midfield, Callum Cooke has seven assists this season.

Form guide and head-to-head

Rovers have a good record against Bradford in the all-time head-to-head as they have 15 wins to Bradford’s five whilst there has also been nine draws. The first game was a 1-1 draw in Bradford in November 1969. There’s a four-game unbeaten run for Rovers with their last defeat coming in September 2017.

There was a 2-2 draw in October when the two last played, Brett Pitman got a 90th minute equaliser after Charles Vernam and Andy Cook had given Bradford the lead.

Referee

Neil Hair has been appointed as the referee and he will be assisted by Mark Derrien and Garry Maskell.

Hair was the referee when Rovers claimed a dramatic comeback to progress past Oxford United in the FA Cup. He has overseen 26 games this year and has shown 93 yellow cards but no reds.

How to watch the match

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

For those not making the trip to Dorset, 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 clubs YouTube channel as well.