What channel is Carlisle United v Bristol Rovers? Kick-off time, TV & stream details, latest team news

Bristol Rovers are in League Two action as they make the long trip up north to Brunton Park to face Carlisle United this Saturday (March 26).

The Gas are in good spirits after beating promotion rivals Northampton Town 1-0 in their last match.

Carlisle also tasted victory as they beat local rivals Barrow 2-1 to relieve themselves of the pressure of relegation, moving 12 points clear of the drop.

Rovers are 16 places higher than Carlisle in the league table and there is a separation of 20 points between the two sides, though Carlisle do have a game in hand.

A win for Rovers could move them to as high as second if results go in their favour, at the worst they could drop to eighth if the opposite happens.

When does the match start?

The game will kick off at Brunton Park at the kick-off time of 15.00 GMT.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Elliot Anderson was initially meant to be away on international duty but the midfielder has stayed put and is available for selection in what is a welcome boost for Joey Barton.

Jon Nolan and Sam Nicholson also have recovered well from injuries against Newport County and are pushing to be a part of the side on Saturday.

Josh Grant is not available for selection but is undergoing solo sessions as he steps up his return to action.

What’s the latest team news for Carlisle United?

A hamstring injury has ruled out Jamie Devitt for the remainder of the season. Callum Guy is also out with a knee injury after injuring himself last week though the severity has not yet been revealed by Simpson.

Omari Patrick is Carlisle’s top scorer with seven goals from midfield in 15 games, an impressive feat given he was only signed in January after making a return from Burton Albion.

Patrick’s midfield partner Jordan Gibson has six goals and three assists this season from the left-hand side of midfield, scoring in his last two matches.

Form guide and head-to-head

Bristol Rovers won the reverse match between the two at the Memorial Stadium back in October with Antony Evans, Sam Nicholson and Harvey Saunders all on target.

Carlisle aren’t a side that Rovers play often as the meeting in October was the first since March 2016.

Rovers lost that day but they then went on to win promotion, finishing third in the table.

In total there have been 39 meetings between the two sides with Rovers winning 15, Carlisle claiming 13 victories whilst there have also been nine draws.

Carlisle have had an upturn in form since Paul Simpson’s return to the club with five wins in his first six league matches with that one defeat being against play-off chasing Newport County. Before that they had only taken one point from their previous six.

Referee

Andy Haines has been appointed as the referee and he will be assisted by Gary Hilton and Robert Atkin, whilst the fourth official is David Avent.

Haines was the man in the middle when Rovers drew 2-2 with Bradford City back in October. He has brandished out 76 yellow cards in 29 games this season, showing only one red card.

How to watch the match

As this match is being played during the international break, this match is available to be watched on the EFL’s streaming service iFollow.

A Matchday pass comes at the cost of £9.99 and has commentary from BBC Radio Bristol.

An hour-long episode of the EFL on Quest will start at 21.00 GMT and will have highlights of the League One and Two matches.