Bristol Rovers vs Northampton Town - Matty Taylor should make Rovers return

Posted Thursday, January 05, 2017 by PA

Top scorer Matty Taylor should return for Bristol Rovers' Sky Bet League One game at home to Northampton.

The 18-goal striker was dropped to the bench for Monday's 4-1 defeat at Charlton as Pirates boss Darrell Clarke made six changes and said after the game he wished he had made more.

James Clarke, Chris Lines and Billy Bodin are among those hoping for recalls as veteran defender Mark McChrystal pushes for a first league start since August.

Defender Daniel Leadbitter is a doubt after sustaining a knock at Charlton, while England Under-20 midfielder Charlie Colkett has returned to Chelsea after four months at the Memorial Stadium.

Northampton could hand full debuts to recent loan acquisitions Gregg Wylde, of Millwall, and Crystal Palace midfielder Hiram Boateng.

Wylde came off the bench in the 2-1 home defeat to Bradford on Monday and may come into Rob Page's thinking for the trip.

Having lost four of their last five games in all competitions, Page could yet decide to make more changes, with the likes of Harry Beautyman and Joe Iaciofano also waiting in the wings.

Meanwhile, defender Brendan Moloney (knee) and striker JJ Hooper (thigh) are once again expected to miss out for the Cobblers.