Bristol Rovers vs Northampton Town preview - Rovers duo champ at bit

Bristol Rovers are set to hand debuts to Billy Bodin and Jeffrey Monakana against Northampton as they mark their return to the Football League after a one-year absence.

Wales Under-21 striker Bodin and winger Monakana have both joined the club in the past week and hope to make an instant impact.

Rovers had the best defence in their promotion-winning Conference campaign last season, conceding only 34 goals in 46 matches.

But manager Darrell Clarke could lose left-back Lee Brown to an Achilles injury, with the versatile Tom Lockyer standing by to fill that slot.

Adam Smith and Ryan Clarke are battling it out for the number one jersey for Northampton.

The goalkeeper spot is one of many selection dilemmas facing Cobblers boss Chris Wilder, with fellow new signings Nicky Adams, David Buchanan, Josh Lelan, Alfie Potter, Rod McDonald, Sam Hoskins and Paul Corry also pushing for starting places.

Brendan Moloney has made good progress in his recovery from a summer knee operation but Saturday may just come too soon for the right-back.

Teenage striker Ivan Toney this week left Sixfields to sign for Newcastle.