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

Bristol Rovers face Rochdale on Saturday at the Crown Oil Arena for their penultimate game of the season.

The Gas are currently in fine form, as Joey Barton’s side are unbeaten in their previous five matches. Last time out Rovers managed to pick up a draw against league leaders Forest Green Rovers, where the match ended 0-0.

Bristol Rovers will be keen to bring their form and recent performances into the clash on Saturday, as a win would boost their chances of getting the final automatic promotion spot. Rovers currently sit two points outside, in sixth place.

A win for Bristol Rovers, along with Northampton losing, Port Vale and Manfield getting less than three points could see the West Country side into the last remaining automatic promotion spot.

However, if Joey Barton’s side lose on the weekend, Sutton and Swindon have the chance to go above the Gas if they both manage wins in their matches. This would put Bristol Rovers in eighth place, with goal difference separating them between the playoff spots.

Rochdale will be playing purely for pride in this match up, as the North-West club sit in 18th position ahead of the game with no possibility of being relegated.

When does the match start?

The game will kick-off at 15.00 GMT at the Crown Oil Arena, in Rochdale.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

Joey Barton is hopeful to have defensive midfielder Josh Grant available for the match after he was absent in the 0-0 game against Forest Green Rovers, due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old has been key to the Gas’ automatic promotion push, and has three goals to show this season.

Forward Leon Clarke is sidelined for the remainder of the season, after not being available since April 9, owing to a groin injury.

What’s the latest team news for Rochdale?

Alex Newby is the Dales’ most prolific player this season. The 26 year-old has managed to score six goals this season from attacking midfield, and is definitely capable of causing Rovers some problems.

Liam Kelly is also one to watch, as the five foot four central midfielder has scored five this season. The 26 year-old has previously played for the likes of Feyenoord and Oxford.

Right-back Corey O’Keefe has nine assists in 41 matches this season, though he was only on the bench in his last game.

Form guide and head-to-head

Rochdale in their last five matches have been inconsistent, winning two, losing two and picking up a draw. In their last match they suffered a 2-0 loss away from home versus Exeter.

Bristol Rovers came out on top the last time these two sides met back in December, where the Gas won 4-2 the Memorial Stadium.

Over the 40 times these two teams have faced each other, there have been 18 draws, eight wins for Rovers and 14 victories for their opponents on Saturday.

Referee

Ross Joyce has been appointed as the referee and will be assisted by Graeme Fyvie and David Avent with Paul Graham as the fourth official.

Joyce has overseen 34 matches this season, brandishing 101 yellow cards and six reds. He was the referee in Rovers’ 1-1 draw with Barrow back in August, sending off the Bluebirds’ Mark Ellis.

Can I watch the match live and how can I see highlights?

As the game is being played at 15.00 GMT, this isn’t able to watch on iFollow for those in the United Kingdom, no beamback has been organised either.

Highlights will become available on the Sky Sports app and website in the evening, whilst you can also watch the EFL on Quest, which is available on Discovery + and on Quest TV.

A two-minute snippet will also be uploaded to the YouTube channels of both Rochdale and Bristol Rovers.