Rovers make the long journey to the North East this weekend as they take on Hartlepool United in the Sky Bet League Two.
After Saturday's win at the Mem against Crawley Town, attention turns to the match against Hartlepool United.
The two teams have faced off plenty of times in the past with the latest encounter between the two sides coming in 2016 with Rovers coming out 4-1 winners. Below is all you need to know about the upcoming fixture.
Managers Preview
The Rovers boss spoke to the local press on Friday morning at The Quarters, ahead of training and the squad departing on the journey north.
On the agenda was the latest injury news, while also touching upon the desire to carry forward the momentum generated by three home wins in a row.
The Rovers Manager said, "For us, last week was a good week. We had to fight hard for the victories we got, and that will continue this week, but for us it’s just following the process and hopefully on Saturday we can turn up and turn in a performance. If we do, that gives a further opportunity to build confidence.
“These league games, certainly the opening gambit, have been really tough and away from home we’ve got to build on a point we took at Barrow last time out. We were disappointed not to take three and we know Hartlepool will be a really tough fixture in their stadium.”
Opposition View
Speaking on his side's fixture this weekend, Dave Challinor says he expects a tough game between the two sides at Victoria Park.
Speaking to Hartlepool United, Challinor said, "We expect a tough game, from their perspective it's a squad that has been heavily invested in and they will be expected to be at the top end of the table, competing for promotion.
"We know what we're coming up against, but I'm sure that they know that they're in for a tough game and we've got to look at what we do."
Form Guide
Dave Challinor's side have had a solid start to the season, picking up nine points from their opening five games since being promoted via the play-offs last season. A run of form that has seen manager, Dave Challinor nominated for the 'Manager of the Month' award.
Last time out, they fell to a late defeat at the hands of Tranmere Rovers having just won their two previous fixtures in the league. Last season, Hartlepool won 22 games, with 15 of those victories coming at Victoria Park.
Our opponents will be without their top goalscorer this season, Tyler Burey has three goals to his name so far this season but has returned to parent-club, Milwall for treatment.
View From the Press Bench
Dominic Scurr, a reporter for The Hartlepool Mail, gives us an idea of what Rovers can expect when they visit Victoria Park and who can be expected to start in attack for our hosts in the absence of Milwall loanee, Tyler Burey...
"Life back in the Football League has got off to a solid start for Hartlepool United.
After a four year absence, Pools have started their season with nine points from their opening five League Two matches.
But it's at Victoria Park where Dave Challinor's side have particularly shone with three wins from their opening three matches on home turf this season.
In fact, with 17 wins from their last 19 league matches at The Vic, Pools boast the best home record of any side in England at the moment. Certainly one Bristol Rovers will be looking to put a dent in this weekend.
As a newly promoted side, the start of the season has gone better than expected for Hartlepool.
But they have recently been dealt a big blow with top scorer Tyler Burey facing an extended spell on the sidelines following a serious hamstring injury picked up during last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.
It will be interesting to see how the side cope with his absence.
As it stands, Pools have just four attacking options available with Will Goodwin likely to keep his place up front. Here are the options available to come into the side to partner the 19-year-old…"
Ref Watch
Rebecca Welch is the match official for Saturday's fixture. Welch has officiated one game in the Sky Bet League Two this season with that being Rochdale's 1-1 draw with Colchester. Welch dished out three yellow cards in that game. Last season, Welch officiated 11 games across the National League and the Sky Bet League Two, handing out 47 yellow cards and one red card.
Betting Preview
EFL sponsors Sky Bet have Rovers priced at 2/1 for the win on Saturday. On the goal scorer markets, Leon Clarke is offered at 11/4 to be on the scoresheet at any time, while Brett Pitman is priced at 13/2 to open the scoring. On the scoreline front, a 1-0 scoreline in favour of the Gas can be backed at 7/1.
To bet with Sky Bet please click HERE. Please bet responsibly.
Matchday Tickets
We have sold around 200 advance tickets for Saturday’s game. Tickets are available on the day for away fans. Rovers will wear their black and yellow third kit on Saturday.
How to Follow the Match
Overseas fans can watch Saturday’s game live on iFollow – with a match pass costing the equivalent of £10. Supporters based in the UK can purchase a audio match pass for £2.50. To find out more about iFollow, please click HERE.
Live commentary of this match has not yet started.
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