Bristol Rovers vs Rochdale preview
Sunday 21 April 2019 12:47, UK
Tom Nichols, Liam Sercombe and Alex Rodman are options to come in if Bristol Rovers boss Graham Coughlan decides to freshen things up for the visit of Rochdale.
The attack-minded trio started on the bench for Friday's battling 1-1 draw at AFC Wimbledon but could be drafted into the XI as Rovers chase League One survival. Defender Joe Partington, who made his first start in six weeks against the Dons, and forward Gavin Reilly could be among those to make way.
Full-back Daniel Leadbitter is closing in on a return to action following a long-term injury absence but it remains to be seen if he will feature before the end of the season.
Rochdale look likely to be without defender Ryan McLaughlin for the trip to Bristol. The right-back was forced off just 30 minutes into Friday's win over Wycombe due to injury and Jimmy Keohane, who replaced him, could start at the Memorial Stadium.
Fit-again Rekeil Pyke made his first appearance since February as a second-half substitute against Wanderers and he will hope for more minutes on Monday. Brian Barry-Murphy's men are three points above the relegation zone, and two behind Rovers, heading into the match.
Opta stats
Bristol Rovers have only lost one of their last six home league games against Rochdale (W3 D2), a 2-1 defeat in April 2014.
Each of the last 11 games at the Memorial Stadium in all competitions between Bristol Rovers and Rochdale have ended in a one-goal margin or fewer - Bristol Rovers winning three, losing three and drawing five.
Bristol Rovers have won two of their last four league games at the Memorial Stadium (D1 L1), having won just two of their previous 12 there before this run (D4 L6).
Rochdale have conceded four or more goals in five different away league games this season, as many times as they did between 2014-15 to 2017-18.
Bristol Rovers have lost just one of their last 14 home league games on Easter Monday - against Rochdale in 2014 (1-2).
