Bristol Roversvs.Weston

Weston-super-Mare will carry a 16-game unbeaten run into the contest, while the Gas have lost four of their previous five matches.

Match preview

Bristol Rovers have experienced mixed results in League One this season, having won five, drawn one and lost seven of their 13 matches.

The Gas will be in a downbeat mood after losing four of their previous five matches, including defeats in their last two competitive games.

Matt Taylor's side fell to a narrow 1-0 loss in last Saturday's league clash with Reading, before they lost 3-2 in Tuesday's EFL Trophy meeting with Exeter City.

Bristol Rovers will be determined to produce an improved defensive display in Saturday's FA Cup clash, having conceded two or more goals in five of their eight competitive home games this season.

The hosts will be looking to dispatch their non-league opponents and reach the second round for the sixth consecutive season.

Meanwhile, Weston-super-Mare have had to negotiate three rounds of qualifying to seal their place in the first round of the FA Cup.

The National League South side got the better of Wimborne Town, before they edged out Chippenham Town in a replay after the initial tie had produced a 1-1 draw.

They then fought back from a goal down to beat Lowestoft Town 3-1 to secure a spot in the first round for the first time since 2018-19.

In addition to their cup success, Weston-super-Mare have performed well in the National League South, having collected 27 points from 13 matches to move to the top of the table on goal difference.

The Seagulls have also won 12 of their last 16 games in all competitions (D4), and another victory on Saturday would secure them a second-round appearance for the first time in 21 years.

Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

L

L

Weston-super-Mare FA Cup form:

W

D

W

W

Weston-super-Mare form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

W

W

Team News

Bristol Rovers winger Shaq Forde will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off for two bookable offences against Reading last weekend.

Gatlin O'Donkor is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Promise Omochere is a doubt after he missed the midweek EFL Trophy game due to an ankle issue.

Chris Martin made his long-awaited return from injury to play a half against Exeter on Tuesday, and the 35-year-old could retain his place for Saturday's FA Cup tie.

As for the visitors, Sam Pearson could make his first FA Cup appearance after joining the club earlier this month following his departure from Yeovil Town.

Luke Coulson will be one of Weston-super-Mare's attacking threats, having scored six goals and provided seven assists in 13 league matches.

Experienced striker Reuben Reid is set to be given the responsibility of leading the line for the non-league side.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Griffiths; Moore, Taylor, Wilson, Mola; Ward, Conteh; Thomas, Sotiriou, Sinclair; Martin

Weston-super-Mare possible starting lineup:

Harris; Thomas, Lewis, Avery, Kirkman; Cane, Dodd; Pearson, Kadji, Coulson; Reid

We say: Bristol Rovers 2-1 Weston-super-Mare

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