Match Preview: Bristol Rovers v Bolton Wanderers

Bristol Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Sky Bet League One, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 6 April 2024, 3pm KO

 

Bristol Rovers face a second of three home matches in a row as Bolton Wanderers make the trip to The Memorial Stadium. 

Matt Taylor’s Gas head into Saturday’s 3pm fixture on the back of a home draw with Shrewsbury Town, while Bolton earned a 5-2 win over Reading on Monday; a game that saw former Rovers forward Aaron Collins score a hat-trick. 

Rovers come into this weekend’s match 14th in the division, while Bolton are third.

 

Tickets…

Supporters should note that tickets are on restricted sale for Saturday’s fixture. As such, tickets will only be available to buy for fans with an existing ticketing account and purchase history with the Club. 

Tickets will be available on the day from the ticket office but the same restrictions for purchasing will be in place. As such, please do not attend Saturday’s match if you don’t have an existing purchase history, as you will not be able to buy a ticket.

 

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Opposition…

After years of financial trouble, and even the very real threat of insolvency, Bolton Wanderers are back on the rise. 

Financial difficulties, leading to administration and even a winding-up order, began back in the 2018/19 season, with Wanderers suffering a point deduction that played a role in their relegation to League One from the Championship. Troubles persisted the following campaign, as the Trotters fell to the fourth level of English football for only the second time in their history. 

It was a far cry from the team that, under Sam Allardyce, achieved a top six finish in the Premier League and played in European football.

Still, under Ian Evatt, there is hope of a resurgence and a return up the tables. Wanderers sit third in the league and are still pushing for automatic promotion back to the Championship.

With 76 goals scored this season in League One football, Wanderers are one of the division’s great entertainers, but Rovers will have a chance against a side that have not won away from home in their last six league matches.

 

Previous Meetings…

Recent form has not been kind to Rovers when it comes to facing Wanderers, but the Gas had reason to celebrate when the two sides met back in December. 

John Marquis opened the scoring for the Gas at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, before Botlon’s Ricardo Santos was shown a red card. 

Antony Evans doubled Rovers’ lead while Eoin Toal halved the deficit six minutes from time.

The last home win over Wanderers came back in January 1989, a 2-0 victory at The Memorial Stadium.

 

 

Allocated seating…

Seated tickets come with an allocated seat and row number, and supporters are kindly reminded to sit only in the seat that comes with the ticket.

 

Persistent standing…

Furthermore, Bristol Rovers FC must ensure we operate in full accordance with national rules and regulations. A particular issue that has been fed back by some fans is persistent standing which will impact the Club's ability to achieve 100 per cent occupancy, should standing continue.

Supporters wishing to stand for matches are kindly advised to locate themselves in one of the available terraces.

 

Match Officials…

Referee: Carl Brook

Assistant Referees: Steven Plane and Oliver Spender

Fourth Official: Marvyn Amphlett

 

What Are The Odds?

Rovers are currently available at 16/5 for the win, and odds of 7/4 are available for the Gas to open the scoring.

Odds correct at the time of writing. To see more information click HERE. Please bet responsibly.

 

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