Preview: Bristol Rovers vs. Sutton United - prediction, team news, lineups

Promotion-chasing Sutton United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Bristol Rovers in League Two action on Tuesday evening.

The visitors drew for a third consecutive game at the weekend, whilst the hosts held another promotion-hopeful side in a draw themselves on Saturday.

Match preview

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Bristol Rovers left the Memorial Stadium in a frustrated mood on Saturday afternoon, despite holding sixth-placed Mansfield Town to a goalless draw.

The result may have ended their three-game winning streak in front of their own supporters, but much of the disappointment revolved around their failure to be awarded a penalty following an arguably clear foul on striker Aaron Collins.

The referee thought differently though and controversially booked Collins for simulation instead, much to the frustration of manager Joey Barton and the Rovers supporters.

In truth however, it was a poor game of football on Saturday, with neither side deserving of the three points following an encounter lacking in quality and action in the final third.

The draw leaves the Pirates in 14th place ahead of their midweek action, with 10 points now between themselves and Newport County inside the League Two playoff places.

As a result, time is running out for Barton's side to make a late charge for the top seven, and with another promotion-chasing side visiting the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Rovers' three-game winless streak could be extended to further dampen their slight hopes.

Meanwhile, Sutton were held to a draw themselves on Saturday, with Matt Gray's side drawing 1-1 at home to runaway leaders Forest Green Rovers.

Kenny Davis had given Sutton the lead with a fantastic free kick shortly before half time, but United were pegged back on the hour mark and eventually had to settle for a point in an even encounter.

Despite the positive result, the U's slipped to fifth place in the table, but do remain just two points off Northampton Town in the automatic promotion places ahead of their trip to Bristol in midweek.

Gray will be keen for his side to get back to winning ways soon though, with the three consecutive draws at Gander Green Lane meaning that Swindon Town outside of the playoff places are now within four points of Tuesday's visitors.

Defeat at the Memorial Stadium could leave United on the verge of dropping out of the top seven then, but their 12-game unbeaten run across all competitions means Gray's side will head there with plenty of confidence of picking up another positive result.

Team News

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Goalkeeper James Belshaw returned between the posts for Rovers on Saturday, and after an impressive display, he should keep his place in Barton's starting lineup on Tuesday.

Josh Grant remained absent for a second consecutive game at the weekend, so his availability remains to be seen once more.

Antony Evans was not risked either, but Barton will hope he will have the attacking midfielder available following his 11 goal contributions in League Two so far this season.

As for the visitors, Craig Eastmond will need to be assessed once more after missing out at the weekend due to his groin injury picked up a few days earlier.

Isaac Olaofe is also likely to remain absent through injury, whilst Gray will also need to check on Rob Milsom, who missed out on Saturday due to illness.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Hoole, Connolly, Taylor, Anderton; Coutts, Finley; Nicholson, Evans, H Anderson; Collins

Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Bouzanis; Kizzi, Goodliffe, John, Wyatt; Ajiboye, Davis, Smith, Randall; Bugiel, Bennett

We say: Bristol Rovers 1-1 Sutton United

All signs are pointing towards a draw on Tuesday evening, with both sides remaining difficult to beat in recent weeks, but lacking the attacking form required to win games as well.

As a result of the solid defences that will be on show, we are predicting a low-scoring game, so a 1-1 scoreline seems a likely outcome.

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