Rovers face another tough test at BS7 following last weekend's 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic, as they host second placed Blackburn Rovers at the Mem for the first time ever on Saturday afternoon.
Rovers' play-off hopes are more or less gone with five games of the 2017/18 season remaining, but last week Darrell Clarke insisted his side "still have their futures to play for".
Despite the quality of this weekend's opposition, The Mem has proven a tough place for teams to go of late, with Rovers not losing there since since the beginning of February; the only time in 2018 so far.
There are however a number of injury concerns amongst the ranks, with Joe Partington and Stuart Sinclair having had their seasons cut short alongside a number of other first team players struggling for fitness.
Although it has opened the door for some youth prospects to prove their worth, with Michael Kelly making his EFL debut last Saturday against The Addicks and Luke Russe having done so in March at MK Dons.
The Gaffer's view: Darrell held his routine weekly press conference at the training ground on Thursday afternoon and dicusses the challenge of facing Blackburn Rovers, his growing injury list and more.
Darrell Clarke's 5️⃣ Point Preview
Player's view: Sam Slocombe has been enjoying a decent run in the side of late and has started all seven of Rovers' previous fixtures, something he discussed along with the game on Saturday in his preview.
Preview: Sam Slocombe on Blackburn Rovers
Opposition: Blackburn Rovers are very much one of the strong forces in League One this year, boasting a rich history of success and coming down from the Championship last season. For the most part they have met expectations of competing for the title and at least gaining promotion, poised in second and level on points with top of the table Wigan Athletic, but having played one game more. Their form has largely been impressive and they haven't lost since the beginning of February, winning eight times and drawing three games after that loss to Plymouth Argyle; that defeat at Home Park is remarkably their only loss in the league since November. They last played on Tuesday night away to Gillingham and will be frustrated after drawing 0-0 and failing to gain a two point lead on title rivals Wigan. Amongst their ranks is the brother of Kyle Bennett, Elliot Bennett who has been playing right-back for Blackburn at times this season, so the two siblings could come directly face to face on Saturday afternoon!
Opposition View: Tony Mowbray
Three to Watch: Blackburn Rovers
Last time out: The reverse fixture in November last year finished 2-1 to the hosts, with Rovers surrendering a lead shortly after Ellis Harrison had fired his side in front just before the 60-minute mark.
Tickets: Fans have until midnight tonight to book their earlybird tickets and make a saving, alternatively you will be able to pay on the day.
Buy in Advance and Save on Saturday's Game!
Keeping up with the game: Full match commentary of Rovers' game with Blackburn can be heard through iFollow Gas. Supporters can access our LIVE match coverage by clicking here.
The match centre is the place to head to keep up to date with minute-by-minute commentary and live match stats, as well as links to follow the game on iFollow.
