Preview: Bristol Rovers vs. Charlton Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

The Addicks, who are currently sitting in 12th place in the League One table, are seven points better off than their hosts, who have lost their last two matches.

Match preview

After picking up seven points from three matches, Bristol Rovers have been unable to take anything from their last two matches against Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth, which both ended in 2-0 home defeats.

Bristol Rovers have not been in action since losing to Portsmouth on March 18, after their fixtures against Shrewsbury Town and Plymouth Argyle were postponed due to international call-ups and the Pilgrims' involvement in the EFL Trophy final.

As a result, the Gas are well-rested ahead of their final nine games of the season, where they will be looking to move up the table from 15th place.

Joey Barton's side have struggled in home matches in 2023, having failed to win any of their last seven home games in all competitions since beating Cheltenham Town 2-1 on New Year's Day.

The Bristol Rovers boss will be concerned by the fact that they have been unable to score in six of their previous seven matches at the Memorial Stadium, including drawing a blank in their last three.

Charlton, meanwhile, will head into Friday's encounter in a positive mood after they thrashed Shrewsbury Town on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

Strikes from Scott Fraser, Albie Morgan and Jesuran Rak-Sakyi ensured the Addicks took a three-goal lead into half time, before a Miles Leaburn brace and Macauley Bonne effort rounded off a dominant display.

After finishing in 13th position last season, 12th-placed Charlton will be looking to cement their place in the top half of the table between now and the end of the season.

Having collected four points from their last two home matches, the Addicks will now head on their travels, as they attempt to claim a third consecutive away victory.

Charlton have lost just one of their last 11 competitive games against Bristol Rovers, losing 2-1 in the most recent meeting between the two sides in December.

Bristol Rovers League One form:

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W

D

W

L

L

Charlton Athletic League One form:

L

D

W

W

D

W

Team News

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Harry Anderson, Josh Grant, Jordan Rossiter and Paul Coutts due to injury issues.

After being shown a straight red card in the 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth, Jarell Quansah will begin a three-match suspension, which could open the door for James Connolly to start in central defence alongside Lewis Gibson.

Scott Sinclair dropped down to the bench last time out, but he is set to be recalled to the starting lineup for Friday's encounter.

As for the visitors, Lucas Ness is ruled out with a knee issue, while hamstring problems will prevent Corey Blackett-Taylor and Chuks Aneke from featuring.

Todd Kane, who has been sidelined since January, is close in on a return from a hamstring injury, but Friday's encounter may come too soon for the defender.

Sean Clare is also a doubt after being forced off in the opening 20 minutes against Shrewsbury with an ankle issue.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Belshaw; Hoole, Connolly, Gibson, Gordon; Evans, Bogarde, Ward; Sinclair, Coburn, Collins

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:

Maynard-Brewer; Sessegnon, Inniss, Hector, Thomas; Morgan, Dobson, Fraser; Rak-Sakyi, Campbell, Leaburn

We say: Bristol Rovers 0-2 Charlton Athletic

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