Bristol Rovers Match Preview
Factfile
Founded: 1883 (as Black Arabs F.C.)
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 12,300
Address: Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0AQ
Pitch Size: 101 x 68 metres
Club Nickname: The Pirates or The Gas
Year Ground Opened: 1921
Famous Game: 1956 FA Cup Third Round vs Manchester United
Rovers played Matt Busby's Manchester United at home in a FA Cup Third Round Tie, that would arguably go down as the biggest result in Rovers' history.
Goals from Geoff Bradford, Barie Meyer and a double from Alfie Biggs meant that the Rovers ran out 4-0 winners.
Daily Express reporter Desmond Hackett described the Rovers side as the "£110 team with the million-dollar touch of class."
After retiring from football, goalscorer Barrie Meyer would go on to play professional cricket as a wicketkeeper for Gloucestershire, appearing in over 400 first class games.
Club Legend: Geoff Bradford
After playing for local side Soundwell, centre-forward Geoff Bradford was signed by Rovers at the age of 18.
Bradford would go on to become the most successful player in Rovers' history, scoring 242 league goals in 462 games, which included 24 hat-tricks.
In 1955 he made his first and only appearance for England, lining up alongside the likes of Jackie Milburn, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney, as he scored in a 5-1 victory against Denmark.
To this date Bradford is the only player to ever have played for England whilst at Bristol Rovers.
He spent his entire 15-year career with Bristol Rovers, even turning down a move to Bill Shankly's Liverpool in 1961.
Other notable former players include Alfie Biggs, Ian Holloway, Harold Jarman and Rickie Lambert.
Last Six
Lost - Bristol Rovers 0-1 Southend United
Lost - QPR 3-1 Bristol Rovers
Drew - Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Bristol Rovers
Drew - Bristol Rovers 0-0 Plymouth Argyle
Lost - Luton Town 1-0 Bristol Rovers
Won - Bristol Rovers 2-0 West Ham United U21
Head-to-Head
Sky Blues (W): 16
Draw: 9
Bristol Rovers (W): 16
Opposition
It has been a difficult start to the 2018/19 season for Bristol Rovers, with just one win in League One so far.
Darrell Clarke's side are without a win at the Memorial Stadium in the league this season, with their only victory coming against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
However, in the cup competitions this season, The Gas have picked up two wins, both at home against Crawley Town and West Ham United Under-21s.
The latter of the two came in their most recent outing, as they now look to build on this victory heading into the clash with Mark Robins side.
Last Time We Met
The two sides met last time the Sky Blues were in League One at the Ricoh Arena in March 2017.
Lee Burge was on top form that day making two great saves in the space of two minutes, first tipping Ollie Clarke's 54th-minute shot over the bar before getting down low to save Tom Lockyer's effort a minute later.
A late goal from striker George Thomas gave the Sky Blues a 1-0 victory, as Coventry took all three points.
Trivia
Bristol Rovers played five home games at Ashton Gate, the home of rivals Bristol City during the 1980-81 season.
A fire destroyed the South Stand of their old home, Eastville Stadium, on the night of the 16th of August 1980, which forced their temporary relocation.
Sky Bet Odds
Last time the Sky Blues hosted Barnsley, City ran out 1-0 winners. Think there will be a repeat scoreline? SkyBet are currently offering 9/1 for history to repeat itself.
Meanwhile, Conor Chaplin is the Sky Blues favourite to open the scoring at 6/1 - while the forward is 2/1 anytime scorer.
At the other end, if you want to back Dom Hyam to match his centre-back partner Jordan Willis and open his Sky Blues account on Saturday afternoon, the defender comes in at 14/1 anytime scorer.
For the latest odds and to place your bet, click here.