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

Bristol Rovers are on their travels to League Two promotion rivals Northampton Town this weekend in what is a six-pointer for both sides.

Both teams secured wins on Tuesday with the Gas narrowingly beating Colchester whilst the Cobblers claimed a win over Stevenage.

Elliot Anderson’s winner put Rovers into the playoffs whilst Northampton are in the second automatic promotion spot. A total of five places separate the two teams but there are just three points between them.

A win for Joey Barton’s side could move them into the top three though results will have to go in their favour. Northampton meanwhile can close the gap on league leaders Forest Green.

When does the match start?

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

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

A shin injury has ruled Sam Nicholson out for the past three games with Harry Anderson starting in his absence. The 27-year-old is unlikely to make a return tomorrow given he hasn’t resumed group training yet.

Back-up goalkeeper Anssi Jaakola is out with an ankle injury so Jed Ward will continue to deputise as he has done for the past two matches.

Central midfielder Jon Nolan, who has made one appearance since joining on a free transfer, is also to miss out after injuring his knee against Newport. Josh Grant and Alfie Kilgour remain long-term absentees.

Forward Leon Clarke, who overcame an almost career-ending hamstring injury, was absent for the last four matches with a groin injury but could take his place on the bench.

What’s the latest team news for Northampton Town?

Defender Shaun McWilliams injured his knee last week and didn’t play in the win over Stevenage.

Ali Koiki, who was at Bristol Rovers last season is also one of the players who’s status for the match is unknown. The full-back was injured in the first-half of the match.

Cardiff City loanee Chanka Zimba could play against his Bluebirds teammate Connolly after stepping up his return from injury.

Other loan striker Josh Eppiah is a doubt, having not played or been involved in a match day squad for the last fortnight.

Goals are shared amongst their team with defender Fraser Horsfall finding the back of the net eight times this season whilst Sam Hoskins has also got eight goals. Mitch Pinnock is a threat, especially from set pieces with the 27-year-old getting 12 assists.

Form guide and head-to-head

It is incredibly close between the two teams when it comes to previous meetings  with both sides claiming 38 wins against one another whilst there are 29 games drawn.

The form books have Rovers as they are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Northampton with six of those matches being won. You have to go back to August 2015 for the last time Northampton won against Rovers.

Referee

West Midlands based referee Oliver Langford has been appointed as the referee. This will be the first Rovers game has has officiated this season after mainly taking charge of Championship matches.

How to watch the match

This match is being played during broadcast blackout hours in the United Kingdom, so fans based here won’t be able to watch it on a stream.

Highlights will become available on Sky Sports from the full-time whistle, whilst EFL on Quest will air on Quest TV and Discovery+ from 21.00.