ENG D1 PREVIEW: Bristol Rovers vs Gillingham

Posted Tuesday, November 27, 2018 by PA

Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke could ring the changes as he searches for a win against Gillingham that will lift the Pirates out of the League One relegation zone.

Clarke is demanding a “lot, lot more” from his players after Saturday’s defeat at Charlton left them three points off bottom spot, and veteran midfielder Chris Lines is among those who could be drafted into the XI on Tuesday.

Attacking trio Kyle Bennett, Alex Rodman and Sam Matthews will also be hoping for starts while combative midfielder Stuart Sinclair is available after suspension.

It remains to be seen when defenders Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, who has only played once this season, and Tom Broadbent, absent since mid-October, are back in action.

Gillingham boss Steve Lovell may opt to keep changes to a minimum after being encouraged by his side’s performance in their 3-1 defeat to Luton.

The Gills boss does want more support for leading scorer Tom Eaves in the goal department, though, and could hand another opportunity to youngster Elliott List up front.

List replaced Brandon Hanlan at half-time of last week’s FA Cup win over Hartlepool and retained his place against Luton, with Hanlan omitted from the matchday squad along with Regan Charles-Cook.

Those two players will be hoping to force their way back into the reckoning, while Josh Parker, Callum Reilly and Darren Oldaker are other options for Lovell if he does decide to shuffle his pack.