Preview: Bristol Rovers vs. Port Vale - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently sitting in 14th place in the League One table, while the visitors head into the midweek fixture in sixth position

Match preview

Bristol Rovers have experienced an inconsistent start to the League One season, having won three, drawn three and lost four of their opening nine matches to leave them in 14th place ahead of Tuesday's fixture.

After winning just one of their opening six league games, Bristol Rovers would have been relieved to claim back-to-back victories over Shrewsbury Town and Wigan Athletic.

However, their hopes of recording a third consecutive win were quashed by Peterborough United on Saturday, as goals from Archie Collins and David Ajiboye condemned the Gas to a 2-0 away defeat.

Joey Barton will be challenging his side to bounce back on Tuesday when they attempt to record consecutive home league wins for the first time since November/December 2022.

Incidentally, Port Vale were the second side Bristol Rovers beat in those pair of home wins after a late Aaron Collins strike secured a 1-0 win in December's meeting.

Port Vale, meanwhile, would have entered Saturday's meeting with Bolton Wanderers in high spirits after they beat Sutton United last Tuesday to progress to the last 16 of the EFL Cup for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

However, their mood was dampened by Dion Charles, who scored the only goal of the contest to condemn Port Vale to a narrow 1-0 defeat.

While the Valiants have now failed to win their last three league games (D1, L2), they will be pleased to be sitting in sixth place with 17 points to their name.

Having lost their previous two home matches in League One, Port Vale may be looking forward to heading on their travels, especially after avoiding defeat in their last four away contests (W2, D2).

That run of form will certainly offer encouragement to a side that finished last season with the fourth-worst away record in the division.

Bristol Rovers League One form:

L

L

D

W

W

L

Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):

D

W

W

L

W

L

Port Vale League One form:

W

W

W

L

D

L

Port Vale form (all competitions):

W

W

L

D

W

L

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Team News

Bristol Rovers are still unable to call upon George Friend, Grant Ward, James Wilson, Jordan Rossiter and Tristan Crama.

Jevani Brown is likely to come into the lineup for Luke Thomas, who was forced off in Saturday's defeat to Peterborough.

After joining on a short-term deal last week, Chris Martin made his debut as a substitute at the weekend, and the striker is likely to be given minutes in Tuesday's contest as he looks to build up his match fitness.

As for Port Vale, they remain without the services of Tom Conlon and Ryan Loft, who are recovering from hamstring and calf injuries respectively.

Lewis Cass is set to replace Alex Iacovitti, who is expected to miss out after being withdrawn in the first half of Saturday's defeat due to an injury issue.

Gavin Massey came off the bench to play the second half against Bolton, and the 30-year-old is in contention to start at the Memorial Stadium.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Cox; Hunt, Taylor, Grant, Vale; Bogarde, Finley, Evans; Brown, Collins, Marquis

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Ripley; Cass, Smith, Balmer; Plant, Arblaster, Ojo, Grant; Garrity, Massey; Wilson

We say: Bristol Rovers 1-1 Port Vale

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